Pubs and live music venues are set to benefit from extra financial support.
The government has announced a new package of measures, including 15 per cent business rates relief in 2026-27, as well as £300 million for pubs and live music venues.
The funding aims to ease financial burdens and keep more venues open.
Charlotte Nichols MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Pubs and representative for Warrington North, said the decision follows direct lobbying of government.
Ms Nichols said: “In January I made clear at the North Cheshire CAMRA regional meeting that I stand with Warrington’s publicans and that I had raised concerns from across the hospitality sector with the Government in my capacity as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary-Group for Pubs, with support from colleagues in the Beer APPG.
“The conversations I had with the Government were positive and constructive, and I am very happy that action has been taken for the good of the Pub industry and the many thousands of staff who work across the sector”.
The relief comes as pubs continue to face serious economic pressures.
The government estimates that the package will save the average pub an additional £1,650 during the 2026-27 financial year.
Around 75 per cent of pubs will see their business rates decrease or remain the same.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “If we’re going to restore the pride in our communities, we need our pubs and our high streets to thrive.
“We’re backing British pubs with additional support, and our new High Streets Strategy will help tackle the long-term challenges that our much-loved retail, leisure and hospitality businesses have faced.
“Thriving local businesses, bustling high streets and pride restored in our communities – that’s what this government is delivering.”
Pubs and live music venues will also benefit from a review into how they are valued for business rates, with any changes set to take effect from the 2029 revaluation.
The Hospitality Support Fund will also receive a boost under the scheme, with £10 million allocated over three years to help more than 1,000 pubs expand their community services.
The fund aims to help pubs create new offerings such as community cafés, village stores, and play areas to encourage greater footfall.
