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Beer and Public Houses: Costs

Answer

The Government recognises the pressures facing pubs and the important role they play in supporting jobs, local economies and communities across the UK.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on pub closures, including in Essex, nor has it estimated the number of pubs expected to close over the next 12 months. The Department has also not made a specific assessment of the impact of the Autumn Budget 2025 on employment in the pub sector.

However, we continue to engage closely with the sector through the Hospitality Sector Council and regular engagement with businesses and trade associations. The Government has implemented a package of support for hospitality businesses, including permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, a £4.3 billion package over three years to support businesses facing increases following revaluation, 15% business rates relief for eligible pubs, clubs and live music venues in 2026/27, a further 20% discount from April 2027 for pubs, clubs and live music venues, and an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.

We have also increased the Hospitality Support Fund to £10 million over three years to strengthen long-term business viability and resilience, while supporting recruitment, skills and employment opportunities across the sector.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

25670

Session

2026-27

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Costs Beer Employment Public houses Regulation Taxation

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk