Oral Answers to Questions

Will Stone Excerpts

Tuesday 8th September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Gill German (Clwyd North) (Lab)]

20. What discussions he has had with representatives of hospitality businesses on the potential impact of business rates relief on the sector.

[Will Stone (Swindon North) (Lab)]

23. What discussions he has had with representatives of the hospitality sector on the potential impact of business rates relief on that sector.

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General (James Murray)]

We love our pubs, so to support them the Prime Minister announced in his first week after taking office a 20% cut in business rates for them, as well as for social clubs and live music venues, from April 2027. That is building on the 15% reduction earlier this year. I and other Ministers have regular discussions with representatives from the pubs and hospitality sector to understand the impact of business rates support.

--- Later in debate ---

[Will Stone]

Pubs across Swindon, such as Arkell’s, contacted me regularly about the reduction in business rates, so I thank the Minister for that. However, can he outline whether there will be any further business rates reductions for the wider hospitality sector?

[James Murray]

My hon. Friend is a great champion for pubs and other hospitality venues in his constituency, including Arkell’s brewery, which I know supplies pubs across Swindon and Wiltshire. As he rightly points out, we have provided support for pubs and community venues, which the Prime Minister announced soon after taking office. We will consider all options for what we can do to further support them in the Budget.