- Government backs British pubs with a major package of support on business rates and licensing reform
- April, Plymouth pubs will receive a 15% discount on business rates, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, giving businesses greater certainty
- Alongside support for pubs, the Government will bring forward a new High Streets Strategy to help town and city centres thrive
Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, has welcomed the Government’s new support package for pubs and high streets.
Pubs are at the heart of communities across Plymouth – from historic city centre venues to longstanding favourites in areas like Stoke, Devonport and Mutley – and they play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting jobs and contributing to local culture.
What the support means for pubs in Plymouth
Under the new package:
- Pubs will receive a 15% discount on business rates bills from April, on top of previously announced measures.
- This will be followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, giving businesses greater financial certainty.
- Around three quarters of pubs are expected to see their bills stay flat or fall, with the average pub saving around £1,650 next year.
- A review of how pubs are valued for business rates will help ensure fairer bills ahead of the 2029 revaluation.
Additional measures include:
- More flexibility for pubs to extend opening hours for major sporting events, concerts and national celebrations.
- Plans to simplify planning rules, making it easier for pubs to expand, add accommodation or diversify.
- Increased funding for the Hospitality Support Fund to help pubs provide extra services and support local jobs.
These measures form part of a broader strategy to back high streets and hospitality, helping businesses thrive in the face of long-term challenges.
Luke Pollard MP said:
“Pubs are part of the fabric of Plymouth. From the Stoke Inn and The Lugger to the Bluebird and the Golden Hind, these venues bring people together, support jobs and are part of our shared heritage.
“It has been so helpful to hear directly from the local pub community about what matters most to them. Business rates and planning flexibility are issues that many of them have raised with me.
“This new support package will help ease costs, give certainty to pub owners and signal that this Government is backing the places that make Plymouth’s high streets and communities special.”
Supporting Plymouth’s high streets
The Government has also committed to delivering a High Streets Strategy later this year, working with communities and local leaders to tackle long-term challenges facing town and city centres.
Luke added:
“Steps backing pubs should go hand in hand with a wider vision for healthy, thriving high streets. Plymouth’s local businesses are essential to our city’s vitality, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure that our businesses and district shopping centres have a voice in Westminster.”
Luke Pollard will continue to work with Plymouth City Council, local businesses and community groups to ensure these measures deliver real benefits in the city.