Business Rates

Steve Race Excerpts

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Tomlinson]

I am sure that the consequentials and their implications will be set out as soon as is practically possible.

[Steve Race (Exeter) (Lab)]

As I think you know, Mr Speaker, Exeter and Devon have some of the finest pubs, independent breweries and live music venues in the country. I thank Exeter Brewery and the Exeter Phoenix arts venue for their representations to me on these issues. I am pleased that, on top of the support in the Budget, pubs will get an additional 15% off, and that will apply to music venues as well, which is very welcome. Does the Minister agree with me that the £4.3 billion of support in the Budget, and the support today, stand in stark contrast to the record of 7,000 pubs closing under the previous Government?

[Dan Tomlinson]

I very much agree with my hon. Friend. What happened in the past is in stark contrast to the reform of our business rates system under our Government. We have set out long-term differences in the multipliers—also known as the tax rates—faced by high-street businesses and those faced by the online giants and the largest businesses. Typical businesses on his high street will have a significantly lower tax rate than that faced by the largest online warehouses. I understand that bills may still increase because of the winding down of pandemic relief and the increase in rateable values, but that underlying reform of the system is there, and it is there for good.