Jon Pearce MP welcomes business rates cut after backing High Peak hospitality businesses

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.