Pubs cheer business rates relief while other firms 'left out in the cold'
Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates discount for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England to help the hospitality sector. While industry leaders welcomed the move, other businesses like gyms have criticized the policy for excluding them from the relief.
Why it matters
The policy highlights the ongoing tension between government efforts to support struggling hospitality sectors and the broader economic needs of other small businesses.
Figure caption, Watch: Burnham on how he will fund business rates cut
Andy Burnham's decision to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England raised a cheer among industry bosses.
It was his third big policy announcement in three days, and as industry body UK Hospitality put it, it showed his enthusiasm for the sector "survived his trip down the M1".
Tax experts said the 20% discount, which comes on top of emergency business rates relief rolled out in January, would save the average pub more than £1,000.
But other High Street businesses complained they would miss out on the support and called for the package to be extended.
Image source, Keith Bott Image caption, Keith Bott, right, welcomed the government's business rates relief
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