Support package for pubs announced

The Government has today revealed its much anticipated support package for pubs.

The principle announcement is that pubs will receive a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April 2026 followed by a two-year real-terms freeze and that this will also include grassroots live music venues. As an important caveat, business rates are devolved so this element applies to England only.

However, other measures announced include:

1. A proposed review into how business rates are valued with a view to any changes being implemented for the 2029 re-valuation.
2. The creation of a High Streets Strategy to be published later this year to look at what more the Government can do to support high streets.
3. Consultation in the spring to loosen planning rules regarding pubs adding new guest rooms or expanding their main room without local planning applications.
4. £10 million of funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years to support pubs across the UK.
5. Allowing certain premises to open after midnight for Home Nations’ games in the later stages of this summer’s Men’s FIFA World Cup (from the quarter finals onwards for matches commencing at 10pm or prior).
6. Bringing forward a consultation to allow pubs to open late for other big events such as Eurovision.
7. Legislate to increase the number of temporary events venues can hold.

No doubt more information will follow over the next few weeks but for now the official press release can be found here - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-support-package-that-backs-british-pubs