The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for wider business rates relief for the high street following prime minister Andy Burnham’s announcement that pubs, clubs and live music venues will receive a further 20 per cent cut.
Due to come into effect from April 2027, the latest reduction will be in addition to a 15 per cent relief already announced for the sector.
The government estimates the move could save a typical pub £1,100 in tax next year. With almost 32,000 venues benefiting from the cut, it is expected to cost the Treasury around £100 million and will be funded through a review of reliefs given to other businesses such as vape shops. It will not apply to the very largest live music venues.
While the move has been praised by various industry associations, others noted that it doesn’t extend to cafes, restaurants or hotels. Retailers have also been excluded.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said pubs, clubs and music venues were once again being given special treatment: “My question is straightforward: what about the rest of the high street, when other businesses have seen a 15 per cent increase this year and their business rates bill more than double since 2024?” he says. “If the Prime Minister is serious about revitalising high streets, he cannot only support pubs in this way. Seventeen thousand shops closed in 2025, plus many thousands of jobs lost, and that number will keep rising if these businesses continue to be overlooked.”
The announcement is one of several of Burnham’s policy changes since he became prime minister last week, which also include ending long-term rough sleeping in England, removing 5 per cent VAT on electricity bills and capping bus fares at £2.