Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to improve support for pubs in rural areas.

Pubs are the beating heart of their communities, providing not just a place to socialise but essential services and local jobs, especially in rural areas. That’s why we’re investing £440,000 with Pub is The Hub to help rural pubs diversify, aiming to support rural communities, create new jobs and services.

We also want planning and licensing systems to work fairly for businesses and residents, we’re creating a more balanced premises licensing system that not only safeguards communities but also supports responsible businesses. On 7 October the Government issued a Call for Evidence on Reforming the licensing system - GOV.UK (deadline: midday, 6 November 2025) We are also planning to introduce permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties under £500,000 rateable value.

We work closely with the Hospitality Sector Council to improve the productivity and resilience of hospitality businesses by co-creating solutions to the issues impacting business performance.