Andy Burnham Slashes Business Rates For Hospitality Sector As Policy Blitz Continues

Pubs, clubs and music venues are to see their business rates slashed by 20%, Andy Burnham has announced.

The new prime minister unveiled the move – which was revealed by HuffPost UK two days ago – on Thursday morning.

It comes after Burnham also announced that VAT will be removed from electricity bills from October, and the restoration of the £2 cap on bus fares.

The latest move is expected to save 32,000 businesses in the hospitality sector around £1,100 a year.

The support package will cost the public purse around £100 million a year, and will be paid for by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops.

Ministers will also crack down on online businesses which do not pay their fair share of tax.

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 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.”

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