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  "path": "/money/routledges-closures-rachel-reeves-tax-raids-carlisle",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-04T05:00:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Rachel Reeves 'very happy' to see North Sea oil and gas drilling",
    "Rachel Reeves unveils new car tax changes today as millions face higher rates",
    "Drivers could be forced to scrap cars as Rachel Reeves' tax hike makes vehicles 'worthless'",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nRoutledges the Bakers has closed all eight of its branches after more than a century of trading, citing mounting financial pressures.\n\nThe family-run business announced it had ceased trading with immediate effect in a statement shared on Monday.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIt said: \"This is not something we ever thought we would have to write.\"\n\nThe closure brings an end to 109 years of trading in Carlisle, where the bakery had become a long-standing part of the local high street.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe business said the decision had been taken \"with incredibly heavy hearts\" following a sustained period of financial difficulty.\n\nRising operational costs and declining customer numbers were identified as the main factors behind the closure.\n\nThe company said pressures had intensified since the end of 2024 as expenses continued to increase.\n\nHigher ingredient costs and day-to-day running expenses were among the challenges facing the business.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIncreases to the minimum wage and higher business rates also added to the financial strain.\n\nThe bakery said its latest rates bill had risen significantly compared with the previous year following the removal of a 40 per cent hospitality relief.\n\nIt added that future energy price increases, when contracts are renewed, are expected to push costs more than £80,000 above 2025 levels.\n\nAt the same time, reduced footfall on the high street led to lower sales, limiting the company’s ability to offset rising costs.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Rachel Reeves 'very happy' to see North Sea oil and gas drilling\n  * Rachel Reeves unveils new car tax changes today as millions face higher rates\n  * Drivers could be forced to scrap cars as Rachel Reeves' tax hike makes vehicles 'worthless'\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe business had attempted to adapt in recent months in an effort to remain viable.\n\nIn February 2026, it opened a self-service outlet in Carlisle’s market hall aimed at reducing overheads.\n\nIn March, it introduced price cuts across its stores in a bid to attract more customers.\n\nThe company said these measures were not enough to counter the scale of financial pressures.\n\nIt said: \"2025 was already one of the toughest years we have ever endured.\"\n\nManagement concluded the business could not continue facing another year of rising costs and uncertainty.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA Labour spokesman said: \"We appreciate this will be a difficult time for the workers.\"\n\nThey added the situation remained a commercial matter for the company.\n\nThe Government highlighted a £4.3billion package aimed at reforming business rates and limiting bill increases for retailers.\n\nOfficials also pointed to wider measures intended to reduce administrative burdens and support businesses facing cost of living pressures.\n\nThe closure marks the end of a bakery that had operated since 1917 and reflects wider challenges facing traditional high street businesses.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Historic British bakery shuts after 109 years of trading amid Rachel Reeves's business tax raids"
}