Clubs set to receive a 20% cut to business rates bills
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has taken action to cut business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England from April next year.
Clubs, pubs, and live music venues are set to receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills. The cuts are expected to benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub (as an example) an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.
Today’s changes will be fully funded, including through reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops.
A 15% relief off 2026/27 bills was announced in January for pubs and live music venues. The additional 20% cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues from 2027/28 comes on top of this existing support.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“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.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets and town centres busy — which is why we will back them all the way.
“We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.”
