A Hammersmith pub owner fears he may have to close if the chancellor raises taxes in this year’s upcoming Budget.

James Fitzgerald, landlord of the Thatched House, says his costs have risen by £22,000 over the past year.

He has already cut his own wage, reduced staff hours, and trimmed other running costs and there is no more room to make more savings.

A government spokesperson said pubs were “vital to local communities”, adding that ministers were lowering business rates.