Burnham's business rates cut 'good first step' but more is needed, says Stourbridge pub owner
David Salmon owns the Cock'n'Bull in the High Street
A Stourbridge pub owner believes the new Prime Minster's plan to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues is a good first step to help the industry get back on its feet, but isn't enough to fix the problem alone.
Andy Burnham said he will slash businesses rates for these venues by 20% as of April 2027.
Making the announcement earlier this week (July 23), Mr Burnham said: "This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities.
"I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do.
"What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country."
"He's only been in charge a week and it's good to see he's acknowledged the condition that the hospitality industry is in," said David Salmon, who owns the Cock'n'Bull in Stourbridge.
"Unfortunately, this is only scratching the surface really.
"It won't make a great deal of difference for many businesses in the hospitality industry at all when you actually break through it all and cut it down."
Mr Salmon says another one of his venues in Manchester has seen an increase in business rate charges of over £100,000 in six years - a 20% cut would not bring this back to where it was.
The businessman has previously supported a nationwide campaign to slash VAT for the whole hospitality sector - not just pubs and clubs.
He said it's a shame the Prime Minster didn't acknowledge this petition, which has almost 300,000 signatures.
Mr Salmon believes this is still needed, along with another look at how business rates are calculated.
"It would be better if actually he acknowledged and said right, we'll give you a discount, but what we'll also do is look at the way this business rates system works and, if we got those two along with the VAT decrease, we may be able to breathe a bit more," he said.
Mr Salmon added: "We're the hospitality industry all hoping that yes, it's a small step, but that there are more big changes in policies further down the line that can help and support."