At the end of January, the government announced a new support package for pubs and live music venues, including a 15% cut in business rates from April 2026.
The U-turn followed warnings that rate changes announced in November’s autumn budget would lead to pub closures.
According to the Treasury, the average pub would save £1,650, with 75% seeing their bills fall or remain static over the coming year.
However, despite these concessions, Bedford hospitality business-owners say there is still more work to be done to support the sector.
Gareth Barber, owner of the award-winning live music venue, Esquires, said they welcomed the fact that help had been specifically targeted at music venues.
“But we would suggest there is still a lot of work to be done to address the underlying problems,” he told the Bedford Independent.
“Retail and hospitality venues were promised permanently lower business rates by the current Government, but, even though our rateable value isn’t increasing, we were still looking at a 30% increase in our business rates from April.
“Other pubs and venues whose rateable values have increased massively were potentially seeing their business rates double or even triple over the next three years, which inevitably would have forced some of them to close.”
“Not what the sector needs or was promised”
While Esquires won’t pay any additional business rates over the next three years, Gareth says, “this still isn’t the reduction in rates the sector needs or was promised, especially as venues are currently faced with other rising costs.”
He called on the government to address the “outdated” valuation method used for pubs and music venues.
“Music Venue Trust have been campaigning for several years for music venues to have their own valuation scheme when determining their rateable value, and we are thankful for all the work they have done on behalf of venue operators on this issue,” he said.
Concerns
Bedford-based pub operator, Wells & Co, is responsible for an estate of around 200 pubs in the UK and France, and also expressed concerns about the government’s support.
Chief executive, Peter Wells, told the Bedford Independent: “We’re pleased the government has listened to the concerns from pubs and hospitality — the recent support shows they’ve heard our voices.
“But hospitality businesses, and pubs in particular, still shoulder a disproportionate amount of tax, and any rise in business rates puts real pressure on operators. That makes it harder to keep doors open, invest in the team, or offer the experiences customers expect.
“Pubs aren’t just places to grab a drink. They bring people together, support local suppliers, create jobs, and make our communities better.
“When costs rise, it’s not just pubs that feel it — it’s the people who visit them, the neighbourhoods they bring to life, and the local economy that depends on them.
He said that the business would continue to work closely with its partners, industry bodies, and the government to explore wider reform.
“By working together, we can help these vital community spaces thrive, not just survive,” he said.
Bedford and Kempston, MP, Mohammad Yasin (Labour) acknowledged that pubs and music venues were at the heart of communities, saying “once they’re gone, they’re incredibly hard to replace.”
“I welcome the Government’s additional support for pubs and music venues through business rates relief and targeted funding,” he said.
“I know how important Wells & Co is as an independent, family-run business and a key part of our local economy, which is why I consistently raise the concerns brought to me by Mr Wells with government and will continue to do so.”
Crisis
Mr Yasin said the current crisis had built up for many years.
“Nearly 7,000 pubs have closed since 2010, with many more struggling due to rising energy and staffing costs, unfair business rates, changing habits, supermarket undercutting, and the cost-of-living crisis, leaving people with less to spend.
“The pandemic accelerated these pressures, and while emergency support could not last forever, pubs and music venues still clearly need help.
“That is why measures such as the 15% business rates discount, the hospitality support fund, the freeze on bills, and a review of valuation rules ahead of 2029 will make a real difference, alongside longer-term reform and ensuring online giants pay their fair share.
“If we want to protect these venues for the long term, we must also get the economy back on track…so people have enough money in their pockets for a meal out, a pint with friends, or a live gig.”
