Prime Minister Andy Burnham has responded to criticism that the newly announced financial measures for pubs and clubs are not going 'far enough'. The former Greater Manchester mayor announced this morning that he will cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England by 20 per cent from next April, a move predicted to save around 32,000 venues £1,100 annually.
Burnham Defends Measure as 'Signal' of Support
Acknowledging concerns about the decline of British high streets, Burnham said the cut was an important signal to show he was a “defender” of pubs. Speaking on a visit to Harlow, he said: “I know there’s a real concern out there about the high street and the feeling that too many high streets across Britain are in decline.
“And for me, you know, the pubs that we’ve got are at the heart of high streets, and I think it’s really important to signal at the start of my time in office that I will be a defender for them.
“I will speak up for them and act. It’s all about doing, isn’t it? You know, I’m doing something today. It may not be everything that they’re looking for, but sometimes the small things matter as well.”
Funding and Additional Announcements
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. The Prime Minister had previously pledged to raise taxes on out-of-town warehouses for online giants such as Amazon to help pay for cuts to rates for hospitality firms.
Announcing the cut, he 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.”
This is one of several major policy announcements made by 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.
