England to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues
Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will get a 20% business rates reduction from April under a government plan worth about £100m.
Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will see their business rates bills reduced by 20% from April, the government said on Thursday. Ministers said the measure is intended to ease pressure on hospitality firms and support high streets.
The package is expected to save a typical pub about £1,100 in the next financial year, according to government figures. Officials put the cost of the plan at about £100m.
The government said the cut will be paid for partly by reviewing business rate reliefs for firms it says do not add positively to communities, including vape shops. It also plans tougher action against online businesses that are not paying VAT.
The announcement comes as the government faces calls to do more on living costs and support for small businesses. Further details are due to be set out in the budget, according to ministers.
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