West Midlands Mayor welcomes business rates cut for pubs and music venues
Prime Minister’s initiative aims to help the hospitality sector
The Prime Minister has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England from April — a move aimed at easing pressure on the hospitality sector after a wave of closures.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker described the decision as a “small but important step”, saying it shows early intent from the Prime Minister to support high streets and the night‑time economy.
Parker said the sector, which employs more than 100,000 people in the region, has been hit hard by rising costs and the permanent closure of restaurants and pubs in Birmingham and nearby areas. He added that further support is expected in the autumn statement and early next year.
Chef and publican Tom Kerridge welcomed the rates cut but warned it “doesn’t really make a difference” for venues facing steep financial pressures. Parker acknowledged those concerns but said the announcement should be seen as a first step, given the Prime Minister has been in office only four days.
The Mayor also plans to raise the impact of recent national insurance increases when he meets the Prime Minister later this week, arguing they have added significant strain to hospitality businesses and affected opportunities for young people entering work.
Lyle Bignon, Birmingham’s Night Time Economy Ambassador for the NTIA, said the government is “finally listening” to the sector. He called the rates reduction a positive signal but said further intervention is needed to secure long‑term stability.
Both Bignon and Parker have urged the government to appoint a dedicated Night‑Time Economy Minister — a role they say is essential to champion an industry that provides cultural life, jobs and vital local infrastructure.