Newly sworn-in UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues, effective from the next financial year. The reduction forms part of a £100 million annual support package aimed at easing financial pressure on grassroots live music spaces.
The government estimates the average pub will save approximately £1,100 in the 2027-28 financial year. The move follows a 15% relief introduced earlier this year. Full eligibility criteria will be set out in the Autumn Budget.
Funding for the rate cut will be offset by increasing business rates on vape shops and other enterprises that “don’t contribute positively to local communities,” alongside stricter enforcement of non-compliance rules for online marketplace sellers.
