Wed, 07 Jan 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 Starmer urged to rethink business rate reforms to save pubs

Some Labour MPs are optimistic there could be further relief to protect the hospitality industry.

* Labour MPs are calling on Sir Keir Starmer to review planned changes to business rates that could lead to widespread closures of pubs and other hospitality businesses.
* The pub industry is warning that Covid-era business rate relief will end in April, leaving many businesses unable to afford the increased rates.
* Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reduced business rate discounts from 75% to 40%, and announced that there would be no discount at all from April.
* Some businesses will actually face higher bills overall due to a readjustment of commercial property values.
* Labour MPs are urging Sir Keir Starmer to intervene to prevent a crisis on the High Street, with some calling for a year-long delay to the reforms or an increase in rates relief.
* The government has offered some relief by reducing the multiplier used to calculate business rates, but this may not be enough to offset the increased costs.
* The Campaign for Real Ale is calling for a rethink of the planned changes, saying that publicans are facing higher bills from April and "simply can't afford" them.
* Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson has met with representatives from the British Beer and Pub Association to discuss possible relief measures.
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