Rachel Reeves leaves pubs in limbo as she teases business rate cuts: 'We recognise the pressure'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that ministers are working on further temporary support for pubs facing rising business rates.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Ms Reeves said the Government is “working pretty intensely at the moment” to ensure additional assistance reaches struggling businesses.

She said an announcement on the measures is expected soon.

Ms Reeves told viewers that further details would be set out “in the next few days and weeks”.

Her comments follow mounting concern from pub landlords over the financial impact of business rates increases due to take effect from April.

The hospitality sector has warned that higher rates could force further closures across the country.

Ms Reeves said ministers are focused on ensuring the support package is properly targeted.

She said: “I want to make sure that we get this right.”

The changes to business rates stem from several factors affecting pubs and hospitality firms.

Commercial properties have undergone a revaluation for the first time since the COVID pandemic.

The revaluation has resulted in higher rateable values for many premises.

At the same time, the Government is withdrawing temporary relief measures that were introduced during the pandemic.

MORE TO FOLLOW