Jon Pearce, MP for High Peak, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a major cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues, saying it delivers on one of the biggest requests he has heard from local hospitality businesses.
From April 2027, eligible hospitality venues will receive a 20% reduction in their business rates bills, saving the typical pub an estimated £1,100 next year. The measure is expected to benefit thousands of venues across England, helping businesses invest, create jobs and keep high streets thriving.
Jon Pearce MP has spent the past two years meeting with pubs, cafés, restaurants and other hospitality businesses across High Peak to discuss the challenges they face. During those conversations, the cost of doing business and the need for tax relief were consistently raised as top priorities.
Jon Pearce MP took these concerns directly to ministers, pressing the case for greater support for the hospitality sector.
Jon Pearce MP said:
“High Peak’s pubs and hospitality venues are at the heart of our communities. They create jobs, support our local economy and provide the places where people come together.
“When I’ve met hospitality businesses across High Peak, they’ve been clear that the cost of doing business has been one of their biggest challenges. I took those concerns directly to ministers because I wanted to see meaningful support for a sector that is so important to our area.
“I’m delighted the Government has listened. This business rates cut will make a real difference, helping businesses invest, protect jobs and continue serving our communities.
“This is great news for local people. Building on the £2 bus fare cap, we’re making it cheaper to get around, support local pubs and enjoy everything our hospitality sector has to offer. Andy Burnham has hit the ground running, focusing on the issues that matter to High Peak – backing local businesses and supporting our high streets.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
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.
The Government says the new business rates relief will support around 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues across England, giving businesses greater certainty and helping them continue to play a central role in local communities.
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Last week, the Government confirmed the biggest overhaul of local government in a generation. After months of discussion and consultation, we now know that from April 2028, High Peak will become part of a new Derbyshire North Council.
This was the best proposal on the table and the one that local Labour councillors and I supported after thoroughly considering all possible the options.
Change on this scale inevitably brings mixed opinions. There were advantages and disadvantages to every proposal put forward, and I understand that not everyone will agree with the final decision. But now that a decision has been made, our focus must be on making sure High Peak gets the very best deal from the council.
One of the biggest benefits is that the confusing two-tier system will come to an end. Instead of responsibilities being split between High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, a single council will deliver all local government services. That should make it easier for residents to know who is responsible for their services, improve accountability and reduce unnecessary duplication saving taxpayer money.
Of course, changing the structure of local government on its own won't solve every problem.
For too long, many people in High Peak have felt that our communities have been overlooked. Too often we have been first in line for cuts and last in line for investment. There is no clearer example than Reform-run Derbyshire County Council's proposal to close Glossop tip. Time and again, High Peak has had to fight for its fair share.
That cannot continue under the new council. High Peak is unlike anywhere else in Derbyshire. We have strong links with Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, a thriving visitor economy, unique rural communities and distinct challenges that require local understanding. That's why I've worked hard to bring together the Mayors of the East Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire through the Peak Partnership, creating a stronger voice for our area and unlocking greater collaboration to secure investment, improve transport and create opportunities for High Peak. It is vital that the new Derbyshire North Council recognises those differences and ensures High Peak has a strong voice around the table.
Nothing will change overnight. High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council will continue delivering services until April 2028, giving time for a careful and orderly transition. There is a great deal of work to do between now and then to make sure the new authority is ready to hit the ground running.
For my part, I will continue working closely with councillors, local communities and ministers throughout that process. My priority is simple: making sure High Peak is at the heart of every decision and we get our fair share.
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