"A good first step": MP says business rate review for pubs must go further
Brian Mathew says an overhaul of business rates is long overdue
Last updated 27th Aug 2026
The Melksham and Devizes MP has welcomed a Government review of business rates for pubs and hotels, saying it's a "good first step".
No. 10 is reassessing how rates are calculated and could lead to the system being reformed, something Brian Mathew says has been a long time coming.
The Liberal Democrat MP told Greatest Hits Radio: "Fundamental reform of business rates is long overdue. Every day high street businesses are decided whether they can keep the doors open, so it is really important and does need to go further."
He said his conversations with pubs across his constituency had revealed how tough times are for business owners, saying that "any help is welcome". According to the British Beer and Pub Association, 161 pubs closed in the first three months of this year in the UK.
Dr Mathew said businesses have been "hammered" by what he described as "anti-growth" budgets from the Government, which included raising employer national insurance contributions. He's called for an emergency VAT cut from April.
He said that needs to be followed by overhauling business rates, reversing jobs tax changes which he said have been particularly painful for the hospitality sector.
Last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues from next April.
The Government says the review is a "rethink of valuations" with the aim of building a fairer system for the future.