South Oxfordshire pubs could get extra business rates relief under council plans
Councillors to consider 15% 'top-up' relief scheme for eligible pubs
Pubs across south Oxfordshire could receive additional financial support under proposals set to be considered next week.
South Oxfordshire District Council's Cabinet will discuss plans to introduce a one-off business rates relief scheme aimed at helping pubs cope with rising costs.
If approved, eligible pubs could receive an additional 15% reduction in their business rates bill during the 2026/27 financial year, on top of an existing 15% relief already being provided by the Government.
It is estimated the local scheme would support around 120 pubs across the district at a total cost of £180,000, with South Oxfordshire District Council's share of the cost expected to be around £72,000.
The council report highlights that pubs have experienced average increases in their rateable values of around 40%, compared with rises of around 6% to 7% for cafés.
Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker, South Oxfordshire District Council's Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: "Everyone knows that pubs are experiencing significant financial pressures.
"These venues play an important role in the economy and are vital for ensuring a thriving local community.
"We're carefully considering how best to provide targeted support for pubs in South Oxfordshire which will both help to strengthen our local and rural economy and safeguard employment in our hospitality sector."
The council says pubs are often important community hubs, particularly in rural areas where they can serve as meeting places, event venues and a source of local employment.
Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "While this support can't fix everything, it's a step in the right direction.
"We're staying focused on collaborating with our local pubs and partners to provide the practical support and guidance they need right now."
Plans to extend support to a wider range of hospitality businesses, including restaurants, cafés and hotels, were also considered but it was concluded that a broader scheme would be more complex and costly to administer.
The proposed relief would only be available to pubs that already qualify for the Government's 15% pub relief scheme.
The Cabinet will meet to discuss whether this should be approved next Thursday.