'VAT is crucifying the industry': Pub landlords slam Andy Burnham's business rate move 'too little, too late'

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VAT is crucifying the industry': Pub landlords slam Andy Burnham's business rate move 'too little, too late'.

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled a 20 per cent cut to business rates for pubs across England from April 2027, but publicans have warned the measure will do little to prevent more closures.Downing Street said the change would benefit nearly 32,000 hospitality venues, with the average pub expected to save around £1,100 a year.Landlords, however, said the relief comes too late to help many struggling businesses, with the sector continuing to face higher employers' National Insurance contributions, business rates changes and rising wage costs since Labour took office in 2024.According to Campaign for Real Ale data analysed by The Telegraph, four pubs have been closing every day since January.

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TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Paul Stanford, proprietor of The Railway Tavern in Norfolk, described the announcement as "absolutely not enough" and called on the Government to introduce the relief sooner.He said: "A lot of places won't survive until April 2027.

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