Summary
Some businesses, like high street shops and music venues, want the UK government to include them in plans that would lower business rates for pubs. The government is expected to announce that pubs in England will get a special break from increased rates, but other businesses are worried they will struggle without similar support. Many groups are asking for a broader change to the business rates system.
Key Facts
- UK businesses such as high street shops and music venues want the same lower business rates that pubs are expected to receive.
- The government plans to help pubs by reducing their business rates, but this help will not extend to other businesses.
- Business rates are taxes that businesses pay on the property they use.
- Recently, the chancellor reduced the business rate discount from 75% to 40%.
- High street retailers and music venues feel left out of the discussions for rate relief.
- The British Retail Consortium and other groups argue the current business rates system needs a major overhaul.
- Some predict large increases in business costs, like a potential 140% rise for pharmacies.
- Many sectors, including gyms and leisure centers, fear higher rates will lead to increased prices and service cuts.
