Andy Burnham says 20% business rates cut for English pubs a first step

Pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England will be given a 20% cut to business rates from April, with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling it a "first step" to help the industry. It is his third policy announcement since entering No 10, and the government estimates the plan will save firms around £1,100 next year. With a cost of £100m, it will be funded by a review of tax relief on firms such as vape shops which "do not make a positive contribution to local communities", the government said. Some hospitality firms welcomed the move but others in the industry, such as hotels and restaurants, questioned why the 20% cut would not extend to them. Speaking from a pub in Essex, Burnham said pubs in particular "need to know that the cavalry is coming". Pubs have now had two rounds of relief - a 15% cut in April and a further 20% which will come into force next year. The business rates discount will not apply to the "very largest" live music venues. Details about which businesses are eligible will be announced at Chancellor John Healey's first Budget in the autumn. The cut is expected to benefit almost 32,000 venues. The Treasury said nightclubs were not covered by the announce