Burnham calls 20% business rates cut for English pubs a first step

Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will be given a 20% cut to business rates from April, which the government estimates will save firms around £1,100 next year. In his third policy announcement since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham called the plan a first step to help businesses, and said pubs in particular need to know that the cavalry is coming. It will cost £100m and be funded by a review of tax relief on firms such as vape shops which do not make a positive contribution to local communities, the government said. Some hospitality firms welcomed the move but others in the industry, such as hotels and restaurants, questioned why the 20% cut would not extend to them. Pubs have now had two rounds of relief - a 15% cut in April and a further 20% which will come into force next year.