Public Houses: Closures
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent estimate has been made of the number of pubs expected to close over the next 12 months, in the context of changes to taxation, business rates and employment costs introduced since the Autumn Budget 2025.
Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
The Government recognises the pressures facing pubs and the important role they play in supporting jobs, local economies and communities across the UK.
The Department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on pub closures, including in Essex, nor has it estimated the number of pubs expected to close over the next 12 months. The Department has also not made a specific assessment of the impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on employment in the pub sector.
However, we continue to engage closely with the sector through the Hospitality Sector Council and regular engagement with businesses and trade associations. The Government has implemented a package of support for hospitality businesses, including permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, a £4.3 billion package over three years to support businesses facing increases following revaluation, 15% business rates relief for eligible pubs, clubs and live music venues in 2026/27, a further 20% discount from April 2027 for pubs, clubs and live music venues, and an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.
We have also increased the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million over three years to strengthen long-term business viability and resilience, while supporting recruitment, skills and employment opportunities across the sector.
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