Latest support for pubs and music 'wholly inadequate'

FINANCIAL support for struggling pub and live music venues is welcome but "wholly inadequate", sector bosses have warned after the Treasury cut business rates bills.

- WMN REPORTERS

Pubs and live music venues in England will benefit from 15% off their business rates bills from April, after warnings from the sector that changes from November's autumn Budget would lead to mass closures and job losses.

However, the fresh intervention was met with a mixed reaction, with some pub bosses cheering the support while others raised concerns over its scope.

Other hospitality businesses such as hotels, restaurants and cafés will not receive additional support, despite their own concerns over soaring tax bills.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said “pubs are different”, when asked why other hospitality operators would not benefit.