Business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues cut by 20% in new cost

Business rates will be slashed for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England from April next year, Downing Street has announced. In his third major new policy since becoming PM on Monday, Andy Burnham said the 20% cut would protect "cherished venues" which have been closing at an alarming rate. He accused his predecessors of not doing enough while hundreds of pubs disappear each year. No10 says the new business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 venues - saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year. Mr Burnham and Chancellor John Healey said the £100million support package is fully funded, hinting there could be hikes for businesses they say do not benefit communities, such as vape shops. The government also said firms that sell through online marketplaces but do not pay their fair share of tax will face a crackdown.