Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the financial sustainability of pubs in West Dorset.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the financial sustainability of pubs in West Dorset. However, the Government recognises the pressures facing pubs and the wider hospitality sector and continues to engage closely with industry representatives, including through the Hospitality Sector Council.

Since April 2026, every pub has benefited from a 15% cut to their business rates bills, followed by a two year real terms freeze. Around three‑quarters of pubs will see their bills stay the same or fall, saving the average pub around £1,650 this year. A review will be launched into how pubs are valued for business rates, working with industry and valuation experts ahead of the 2029 revaluation. We have increased and extended the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million over the next three years so we can continue to help more pubs, help more people into work and find more innovate ways to improve business productivity and sustainability. Later this year we will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy, to help reinvigorate our communities.