Fri, 09 Jan 2026

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 More businesses call to be included in pub rates backtrack

High street shops, pharmacies and music venues have said that the axing of planned increases to business rates for pubs should apply to them too.

* Business groups and MPs are calling on the government to axe planned increases to business rates, which would hit pubs, pharmacies, music venues, gyms, and other businesses hard.
* The government is expected to announce a climbdown on plans to increase business rates bills faced by pubs in England.
* However, this relief will only apply to pubs and not other types of businesses in the hospitality sector.
* Other lobby groups are urging the government to widen the relief to include high street shops, restaurants, cafes, gyms, pools, leisure centers, and live events venues.
* Business leaders say they face significant increases in business rates bills, with some facing rises of up to 140%.
* MPs have expressed concerns that the planned rate reforms could push many businesses over the edge and are calling for more support from the government.
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