Business Rates Cut for Pubs, Clubs, and Music Venues in England Only ‘a Small Move’, Say Critics

The government’s decision to cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England has been met with skepticism from critics who argue it is too little, too late. The move, part of a £100m aid package aimed at supporting the high street and easing cost-of-living pressures, has been welcomed by hospitality leaders but raises questions about why other businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, have been left out.

This decision to target relief for specific sectors is consistent with the government’s tendency to take a piecemeal approach to addressing England’s high streets. The 15% business rates relief announced earlier this year was a half-hearted attempt to address the issue, and it seems that Burnham is following suit. By providing relief for pubs and live music venues while ignoring other struggling businesses, the government sends a clear message: only certain sectors are worth saving.

Small business owners will feel the impact of these decisions most acutely, as they struggle to keep their heads above water. Nick Evans, co-owner of the Old Crown Coaching Inn in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, estimates that the £3,000 his pub will save from the business rates cut is a drop in the ocean compared to its £1.8m turnover. The sense of frustration and disillusionment among these owners is palpable, as they feel their efforts are being ignored.

The government’s announcement has also sparked debate over how these measures will be funded. Capping bus fares at £2 and cutting VAT on electricity bills have raised questions about the long-term financial sustainability of these policies. Burnham’s administration is under pressure to deliver results, but it remains to be seen whether these half-measures will be enough to stem the tide of decline facing England’s high streets.

Critics argue that the business rates system itself needs a complete overhaul, not just piecemeal tinkering. The Federation of Small Businesses has called for a significant increase in small business rates relief at the next budget, which would deliver on promises made by Burnham during his campaign. However, this will require more than just words; it will need concrete action and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

As the government continues to dither and delay, England’s high streets continue to crumble. It’s time for bold action, not just half-hearted measures that will do little to address the scale of the problem. Burnham has promised to give people “more breathing space” on living costs through a series of policy interventions, but so far, his efforts have fallen short of expectations.

The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction will be severe. If England’s high streets continue to decline, it won’t just be a tragedy for local communities; it will also have far-reaching implications for the national economy. The government must do better than this half-hearted attempt at salvation. It’s time to think big, not small, and to take concrete action to support struggling businesses and revitalize England’s high streets.