Pubs, clubs and music venues in England get 20% business rates cut
9 reported2 unconfirmed
The UK government announced a 20% discount on business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England as part of a £100m aid package. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the measure is fully funded, including through a review of relief for businesses deemed not to make a positive contribution, such as vape shops. The cut will benefit nearly 32,000 venues, with the typical pub expected to save about £1,100 in the next financial year. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the scale of the announcement, saying it left her thinking “Is that it?” Some hospitality leaders welcomed the tax cut but criticized its scope, noting that hotels and restaurants were excluded. Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon, called the relief “a small move in the right direction” and urged a cut in VAT. The measure builds on a previous 15% relief for pubs and live music venues announced earlier this year.
What’s reported
The 20% business rates discount applies to pubs, clubs and live music venues in England.
The aid package is worth £100m.
Nearly 32,000 venues will benefit, with the typical pub saving an estimated £1,100 next financial year.
The largest live music venues are excluded from the relief.
The measure is funded partly through a review of relief for businesses like vape shops.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioned the announcement’s scale.
Tim Martin called the relief “a small move in the right direction” and called for a VAT cut.
Kate Nicholls of UKHospitality noted that restaurants and hotels were excluded.
The government also plans to crack down on businesses selling through online marketplaces that do not comply with tax obligations.
Open questions
How the government will fund other cost of living measures, such as the bus fare cap and VAT cut on electricity bills, given doubts raised by former chief secretary Darren Jones about the digital ID scheme funding.
Whether the government will extend relief to hotels and restaurants, as requested by hospitality leaders.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, prime minister
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
John Healey, chancellor
Tim Martin, founder of JD Wetherspoon
Nick Evans, co-owner of the Old Crown Coaching Inn
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality
Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses
Darren Jones, former chief secretary to the prime minister
Sources: The Guardian
