PM cuts business rates bills for clubs and other venues

The Government has announced that it will cut business rates bills for social clubs, pubs and live music venues across England from April next year.

This announcement follows the earlier representation to the Government by the CIU urging that social clubs should be included in any future support measures for licensed premises (see the letter to the Chancellor here). 

The Government says that this is part of a wider plan to "drive good growth in every postcode by reducing the burden on local businesses, boosting investment on high streets and helping communities to thrive."

A statement said that: "New business rate cuts will benefit nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year, providing much-needed certainty for businesses looking to invest, grow and create jobs." 

It added that the changes will be "fully funded" by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops. 

The Government also says that it will also crack down on businesses that sell through online marketplaces but do not comply with their tax obligations, putting them at an unfair advantage over businesses that play by the rules. 

The Government is consulting on measures to make online marketplaces more responsible for preventing non-compliant sellers from avoiding their tax obligations and further detail will be set out in due course. Revenue raised from these reforms will be reinvested in improvements to the business rates system.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.

"This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country."

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey, added: "Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets and town centres busy — which is why we will back them all the way. 

"We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode."