Following today's announcement from the Prime Minister to slash business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England, our Head of Rating, Bruce Wilson reacts:

"This morning’s announcement from Andy Burnham of a further 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues is another loop on what has become a genuine rollercoaster for the sector. Since the Autumn Budget 2024 promised permanently reduced rates, we’ve gone from a potential 40% reduction in the rate multiplier, a 10% reduction in the 2025 Budget, a 15% reduction just ahead of 2026 rate demands to today’s additional 20% - and still, crucially, without the detail needed to know what it actually means for their bills.

“The direction of travel is welcome, but the pattern is familiar: big headline numbers followed by a wait for the Budget small print. Pubs, clubs and venues can’t build accurate business plans on announcements alone - they need clarity on scope, timing and eligibility, and they need it in time to actually use it.

“What this sector deserves now is a proper business rates roadmap and not another twist in the ride. Until we see the detail, we won’t know whether today’s news eases the burden or simply adds another loop before the next Budget U-turn.”