Burnham proposes business rate cuts for pubs, review of NICs increase
12 reported
Andy Burnham has announced his first significant policy initiative during the Makerfield byelection, proposing a cut to business rates for pubs and small family-run enterprises and stating he would consider reducing some employers’ national insurance contributions. The Greater Manchester mayor’s plans represent a notable criticism of Keir Starmer’s policies, with Burnham saying “Labour have got it wrong on small businesses.” In an interview with the BBC’s Newsnight, Burnham said he wanted to reconsider the increase in employers’ NICs brought in at the 2024 budget, a measure criticized by former health secretary Wes Streeting. Under Burnham’s plan, pubs, clubs and music venues would receive a 20% cut next year, while smaller hospitality, leisure and retail companies would have the threshold for paying business rates raised for the first time since 2017. The cuts would be paid for by higher levies on giant warehouses operated by online firms such as Amazon and targeting owners of empty high street properties. Burnham is hoping to return to Westminster in the byelection on 18 June, and has confirmed his intention to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership if elected.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham announced his first significant policy initiative during the Makerfield byelection.
He proposed a cut to business rates for pubs and small, family-run enterprises.
He said he would consider cutting some employers’ national insurance contributions.
Burnham stated: “Labour have got it wrong on small businesses.”
The NICs increase was brought in at the 2024 budget and has been criticized by Wes Streeting.
Under the plan, pubs, clubs and music venues would receive a 20% cut next year.
The threshold for paying business rates would be raised for the first time since 2017.
Cuts would be paid for by higher levies on giant warehouses operated by online firms such as Amazon and targeting owners of empty high street properties.
The proposals go further than a Treasury plan announced in January for a 15% cut to business rates for pubs in England from 1 April.
UKHospitality said the majority of members still expected to pay more in business rates.
Burnham is hoping to return to Westminster in the byelection on 18 June.
He confirmed his intention to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership if elected.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor and Labour candidate in the Makerfield byelection
Keir Starmer, Labour leader
Wes Streeting, former health secretary
Josh Simons, former sitting MP for Makerfield
UKHospitality, trade body representing the hospitality sector
Sources: The Guardian
