The government is set for a u-turn on business rates relief that was set to be eliminated from April this year.

According to reports published today, the government is now expected to amend how the business rates of pubs will be calculated. As a result there will be smaller rises to the bills many businesses pay.

In the November Budget announced last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves had scaled back business rate discounts – discounts that had been in force since the COVID pandemic from 75% to 40%. In addition, these would dissapear completely from April.

Responding to reports that the Government is set to change course and provide extra support with business rates bills for pubs in England, Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman said: “Doing nothing and letting pubs go to the wall was never going to tolerated by pub goers, publicans or MPs.

“The Government must urgently end the uncertainly and announce the extra help and permanently lower bills our locals were promised and need to survive and thrive.”

Emma McClarkin CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, added: “News that the government is going to look again at business rates increases is potentially a huge win for pubs across the country and shows Government have not only listened to our concerns but acted.

“This could save locals, jobs, and means publicans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The BBPA has worked closely with ministers on a pub specific solution that would ensure that bills are reduced in line with the government’s previous promises to pubs. We now keenly await to see the detail of the upcoming announcement.”