Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and eligible live music venues across England, describing the move as part of a wider effort to protect local high streets and community spaces.
According to the Government, the new relief will take effect from April next year and is expected to benefit almost 32,000 venues. Ministers estimate that the average pub will save around £1,100 a year through the scheme. The package is expected to cost around £100 million annually.
Announcing the policy on X, Mr Burnham said:
"I'm giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates.
I won't stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and 'For Sale' signs.
They're the heart of our communities and it's time we backed them."
The Government says the initiative forms part of a broader programme of business rates reform aimed at supporting town centres and the hospitality sector. It has also confirmed that reliefs available to businesses considered not to make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops, will be reviewed as part of funding the package, alongside measures to tackle tax avoidance by some online marketplaces.
Hospitality organisations have broadly welcomed the announcement, saying it recognises the financial pressures facing pubs, clubs and grassroots music venues following rising operating costs in recent years. Further reforms to the wider business rates system are expected to be outlined in the Government's next Budget.
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