Pubs to get about £100m a year in temporary support

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil a temporary support package for pubs in England and Wales worth around £100m a year; the wider hospitality sector is not included.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce a temporary support package aimed at pubs in England and Wales. Officials said they had not anticipated the full financial impact of recent business rates changes. The measures follow a revaluation that has pushed up property tax bills and prompted industry warnings about closures and job losses. Final details were reported to be still being finalised ahead of the announcement. Key facts: - The package is expected to be worth about £100m a year and will act as a temporary cap for pubs in England and Wales. - Government comments indicate the wider hospitality sector is not included in this specific support. - The government has moved to reform some pub licensing rules, including allowing extended hours, but has not reduced VAT on beer, wine or spirits. - A business rates revaluation has driven substantial bill increases and industry analysis reported pub closures and a drop in overall pub numbers in 2025. Summary: The planned announcement is intended to reduce immediate financial pressure on pubs following the rates revaluation. The chancellor is expected to make the formal announcement on Tuesday, with final details having been under discussion by officials.