Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the reduction in business rates for pubs announced in July 2026 is subject to a subsidy limitation regime for individual businesses.

The 20 per cent relief announced in July will be available for all pubs, social clubs and all but the very largest live music venues.

The scope of the 20 per cent relief will broadly mirror the scope of the existing 15 per cent relief. ^[1]

Eligible social clubs must be open to the general public and permit drinks to be purchased at a bar. Social clubs include working men's clubs, ex-servicemen's clubs and other community membership clubs that are open to broad sections of the local community.

The 20 per cent relief will be awarded at the discretion of Local Authorities, who will determine eligibility using guidance published by the Government and based on existing definitions.

The Government will set out further details of the relief, including the treatment of the very largest venues, at the Budget.

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pubs-and-live-music-venues-relief