Pubs handed lifeline as Government poised for enterprise charges climbdown

Pubs are expected to be handed a lifeline as the Government is poised to water down looming hikes to business rates.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves ordered officials to look at extra support for the struggling hospitality sector before Christmas amid alarm from landlords struggling with rising costs. The industry has warned it faces widespread closures, and some Labour MPs were barred from their locals by angry landlords.

Changes to the way business rates are calculated in April was due to coincide with the phasing out of a Covid-era discount, leaving pubs facing a hefty increase to their bills. Ms Reeves scaled back the relief that had been in place since the pandemic from 75% to 40% at the Budget – and it was due to end entirely in April.

The move was due to come in at the same time as adjustments to business rates for all non-domestic properties, based on an assessment of how much it would cost to rent the property in 2024 as well as its potential turnover. Ms Reeves said the changes would result in “permanently lower” rates for more than 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties. But the sector sounded the alarm, with some pubs facing rates hikes that double or treble their annual bill.

The Mirror has been campaigning to save Britain’s boozers through our Your Pub Needs You campaign.

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