Reeves says pubs must pay their fair share in business rates

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said pandemic-era business rates relief will end in April and the government has provided £4.3bn to phase the transition; she said an announcement on additional targeted support for pubs is due in the next few days.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the decision to end Covid-era business rates relief, saying some temporary support needs to be unwound now the pandemic is over. She said the government has provided an additional £4.3bn to phase the transition and that targeted help for venues facing large increases is being finalised. Ms Reeves also said changes are not yet in effect and that an announcement on support will be made in the coming days. Key facts: - Reeves said pandemic-era business rates relief will end in April and the government has committed £4.3bn to phase the transition. - A revaluation announced after the Budget will affect about 5,000 pubs, with analysis reporting one in eight facing up to a 100% increase in bills. - Reeves stated additional support for the hospitality sector is being worked on and that an announcement is expected in the next few days. Summary: Reeves framed the end of temporary relief as a step that must be managed rather than immediate cuts; she said the changes have not yet taken effect and that the government is preparing targeted measures. An official announcement on further support is due in the next few days.