Pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England will receive a 20% reduction in their business rates bills from April 2027 under measures announced yesterday by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Nearly 32,000 properties are expected to benefit, with the typical pub saving approximately £1,100 during the next financial year. The measure will cost the Treasury around £100m annually, according to the Government.
For commercial agents and landlords, the relief could help support occupancy and investment in town-centre properties by reducing one of the largest fixed costs facing hospitality operators.
However, restaurants and hotels are not included, prompting calls for broader assistance at the forthcoming Budget. UKHospitality has warned that other parts of the sector continue to face substantial increases following property revaluations and the withdrawal of earlier relief.
EXISTING SUPPORT
Eligible pubs and live music venues already receive a 15% reduction during 2026-27, alongside the lower business rates multipliers introduced for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties.
Existing government guidance excludes restaurants, cafés, nightclubs, hotels, cinemas and theatres from the dedicated pubs and live music venues relief. The latest announcement extends support to qualifying social clubs and raises the reduction to 20% next year.
The Government said the additional support would be funded partly by reviewing relief available to businesses such as vape shops and by improving tax compliance among sellers operating through online marketplaces.
It has also promised to return to wider reform of business rates, including Small Business Rates Relief, at the Budget.
LONG-TERM CERTAINTY
Nathan Emerson (main picture, inset), CEO of Propertymark, says: “Propertymark welcomes the ambition to support key local venues across England. For too long, we have witnessed hospitality businesses closing at an alarming rate, month after month, with the loss of vital jobs and lasting consequences for local economies and high streets.
“Hospitality venues are at the heart of communities, providing employment, supporting local supply chains and bringing people together.
“All eyes will now be on the UK Government later this year within the Budget in the hope of meaningful reform of the wider business rates system, alongside continued Small Business Rates Relief, to ensure businesses have the long-term certainty and confidence they need to invest and grow.”
