Thousands of pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England will benefit from lower business rates from April next year, as the Labour Government delivers on its promise to back local businesses and breathe new life into high streets.
The changes, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will see nearly 32,000 venues receive reduced business rates bills, with the average pub expected to save around £1,100 during the next financial year.
The package forms part of Labour’s wider plan to build an economy that works for every postcode by supporting local businesses, encouraging investment and helping town and city centres thrive.
For too many years, communities have watched treasured pubs, working men’s clubs and live music venues disappear from their high streets. Labour is taking action to reverse that decline by reducing costs for the businesses that bring people together, create jobs and keep local economies strong.
The measures will be fully funded through reforms that target businesses which do not make the same positive contribution to local communities, including a review of business rates relief for vape shops. The Government will also crack down on sellers using online marketplaces to avoid paying the tax they owe, ensuring traditional high street businesses are no longer placed at an unfair disadvantage.
Revenue raised through these reforms will be reinvested to improve the business rates system and create a fairer environment for businesses that play by the rules.
Announcing the changes, 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.”
Leader of Newcastle Labour Group, Cllr Ged Bell, said:
“From the pubs and social clubs that have served generations of Geordies to the live music venues that have helped put Newcastle on the map, these places are part of what makes our city special. They support local jobs, strengthen our communities and keep our neighbourhoods vibrant.
“Labour is backing Newcastle’s high streets by giving businesses the confidence to invest and grow. That’s good news for local employers, good news for our economy, and good news for the communities that rely on these venues every day.”
The announcement is the latest step in Labour’s plan to rebuild Britain’s high streets by supporting local employers, protecting community assets and delivering economic growth that is felt in every part of the country.