Business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England will be cut by 20 per cent from April next year, Downing Street has announced.
Details of the cut
The discount will apply to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses and is expected to save a typical pub around £1,100 annually, but will not be available to the very largest live music venues.
The cut will be funded through a review of reliefs for businesses that 'do not make a positive contribution to local communities' such as vape shops and a crackdown on online marketplaces that do not comply with tax obligations, No 10 said.
Prime Minister's statement
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
Other recent announcements
This is one of several major policy announcements made by Mr Burnham since he entered 10 Downing Street earlier this week, with a VAT cut on energy bills and a £2 bus fare cap also announced. During his first speech as Prime Minister on Monday, the Makerfield MP promised a 10-year plan for Britain alongside a new political and economic model.
