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Public Houses: Government Assistance

Asked by Ian ByrneLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 9 June 2025UIN 55428

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to support local pubs.

Answered by Gareth Thomas

Hospitality businesses, including pubs, are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth. We've launched a licensing taskforce aimed at cutting red tape and removing barriers that hinder progress. The Government also plans to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties with a rateable value under £500,000.

Additionally, we've introduced a £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects aligned with Department for Business & Trade and Hospitality Sector Council priorities. This includes helping those furthest from the job market into employment and boosting productivity across the sector.

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