VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Public Houses

Asked by Dan AldridgeLabourDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 14 January 2026UIN 103575

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps the Government is taking to reduce the potential impact of inflationary pressures on the pub industry, including rising energy costs, business rates, supply chain costs, and staffing pressures.

Answered by Kate Dearden

The Government recognises the significant pressures facing pubs, including those in Weston‑super‑Mare, and is taking action to support them.

Through the Zero Carbon Hospitality Trial, 615 small and medium‑sized hospitality businesses are receiving free carbon‑footprinting and energy‑saving advice to help reduce costs. We have permanently lowered business rates multipliers for eligible Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties, and have introduced a £4.3 billion support package over the next three years to protect ratepayers from increases following the business rates revaluation, with over half seeing no rise in bills.

In addition, we have raised the Employment Allowance to £10,500, meaning 865,000 employers will pay no NICs this year, helping small businesses manage staffing costs.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim