Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to help ensure his taxation and fiscal policy supports the pub industry.

The Government understands the benefits pubs bring to our communities, recognises the pressures currently facing the sector and is taking action.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector will receive a tax cut worth almost £1.7 billion in 2022-23. Eligible properties will receive 50 per cent off their business rates bill, up to a maximum of £110,000 per business.

Combined with Small Business Rates Relief, this means over 90 per cent of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will receive at least 50 per cent off their rates bills in 2022-23. The Government has also committed to freezing the multiplier for a further year, which is a tax cut worth £4.6 billion to businesses over the next 5 years.

Further, as part of the alcohol duty reform, the government will introduce a new draught relief, giving an approximate 5% duty cut to cider and beer sold in pubs. The government will provide an update on the alcohol duty reforms over the coming weeks.