Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what funding announced in Budget 2017 the Government plans to provide to help pubs with the effect on the business rate review; and on what basis that funding will be distributed among those pubs.

At the Budget on 8 March the Chancellor announced a new relief scheme for pubs with a rateable value below £100,000. Under the scheme, eligible pubs will receive a £1000 discount on rate bills. My Department will shortly consult on guidance which will include proposals on the eligibility criteria and other aspects of the scheme.

Additionally, £110 million will be available to assist those ratepayers losing small business rates relief or rural rate relief as a result of revaluation. The Government is also making available a £300 million discretionary relief fund over the next four years to enable local authorities to help individual businesses that are facing increased rates bills.These schemes may also be available to pubs.