Pubs cheer business rates relief while other firms 'left out in the cold'

Andy Burnham's decision to cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England raised a cheer among industry bosses. It was his third big policy announcement in three days, and as industry body UK Hospitality put it, it showed his enthusiasm for the sector "survived his trip down the M1". Tax experts said the 20% discount, which comes on top of emergency business rates relief rolled out in January, would save the average pub more than £1,000. But other High Street businesses complained they would miss out on the support and called for the package to be extended. Keith Bott, who runs the Titanic Brewery and nine pubs across the Midlands, said the government was "finally recognising the plight of the hospitality industry and trying to help". He said pubs had been hit by a mix of employer National Insurance increases, the rising minimum wage, high inflation and the climbing cost of living. Meanwhile, the sector is "heavily taxed", with around 35-40% of turnover going to the Treasury, he added. "What I really liked in this announcement is they are recognising we need to look at a fairer tax system so we can all contribute to society," Bott told the BBC. He said o