Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled a 20% business rates discount for pubs, social clubs, and some live music venues in England starting next April.
Key facts
- •The 20% business rates cut is expected to benefit nearly 32,000 venues across England.
- •The policy is the third major announcement from Prime Minister Andy Burnham since entering No 10.
- •Funding for the £100 million initiative comes from reviewing tax relief on businesses like vape shops.
- •Nightclubs are excluded from the new relief, with the government citing existing support measures for that sector.
- •The relief follows a previous 15% cut implemented earlier in 2026.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs, and certain live music venues across England, effective from April. The government estimates the policy will save businesses approximately £1,100 next year. This measure, which carries a £100 million cost, is the third policy announcement from the new Prime Minister since taking office.
By the numbers
Funding and Eligibility
The relief program will be funded by reviewing tax exemptions currently granted to businesses such as vape shops and gambling arcades, which the government argues do not contribute positively to local communities. Additionally, the government plans to increase enforcement against online marketplace sellers that fail to meet tax obligations. The 20% discount will not apply to nightclubs or the largest live music venues. Specific eligibility criteria will be detailed by Chancellor John Healey during the autumn Budget. The government noted that nightclubs already benefit from lower business rates multipliers and other support packages.
Industry and Political Reaction
The announcement has received mixed feedback from the hospitality sector. While some industry representatives described the move as a positive start, others, including UK Hospitality, expressed concern that hotels and restaurants were excluded from the relief. Some business owners noted that while the cut helps address rising costs, the total impact remains to be seen until full details are released. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the announcement, questioning the scale of the Prime Minister's ambitions. Meanwhile, the Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the plan as a necessary step to support small business growth.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Business.
