Andy Burnham to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England

Andy Burnham cuts business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England The discount will apply to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Pubs, clubs, and live music venues across England are set to benefit from a 20 per cent cut in business rates from April next year, Downing Street has announced. The discount will apply to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses and is expected to save a typical pub some £1,100 annually. However, the very largest live music venues will not be eligible. No 10 said the overhaul of business rates will be funded by reviewing reliefs for businesses that “do not make a positive contribution to local communities” such as vape shops and by cracking down on online marketplaces that do not comply with tax obligations. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously pledged to raise taxes on out-of-town warehouses for online giants such as Amazon to help pay for cuts to rates for hospitality firms. “This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities,” Mr Burnham said. “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.” The Government will look to set out further reform to the wider business rates system, including small business rates relief, at the Budget. More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments