Pubs cheer business rates relief while other firms 'left out in the cold'
UK government plans to provide business rates relief to pubs and live music venues have been welcomed by the hospitality industry. However, other sectors like fitness centers argue the policy is unfair and leaves them struggling with high operational costs.
Why it matters
Illustrates the economic tension between government support for specific sectors and the broader business community's need for equitable tax treatment.
Image source, Keith Bott Image caption, Keith Bott, right, welcomed the government's business rates relief
Andy Burnham's decision to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues 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.
Keith Bott, who runs the Titanic Brewery and nine pubs across the Midlands, said the government was "finally recognising the plight of the hospitality industry and trying to help".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in