23rd July - Pubs, clubs and live music venues across Ipswich set to benefit from an extra 20% business rates cut

Our pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Ipswich. They create local jobs, bring people together and are a vital part of our local economy, but I know the pressure they have been under for a number of years - the number of pubs and bars fell by around 6,800 between 2010-2024.

I have consistently campaigned for a fairer business rates system, raising this issue with Ministers and in Parliament.

That is why I welcome this additional support from the Government, building on the £4.3 billion package announced at the last Budget, and the 15% cut to business rates bills for pubs and live music venues announced in January. It is also encouraging that bills will be frozen in real terms for two-years, and that there will be a long overdue review of how pubs are valued for business rates.

I recognise that there is more to do to support the wider hospitality sector, but this is a good step in the right direction and a statement of intent from the new Prime Minister.