Yorkshire firms react to new PM’s business rates cut announcement

Andy Burnham’s 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues has been cautiously welcomed across Yorkshire hospitality, but workers stressed that more help was needed to help revive the sector.

The new prime minister said qualifying businesses in England would benefit from the reduction from April, which could save companies around £1,100 next year.

Those in hospitality said the savings would not be “groundbreaking”, but hoped it could pave the way for other future measures including VAT cuts.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the North Yorkshire-based Fat Badger Group, said the announcement was “good news overall”, adding: “More of the same please, Mr Burnham.”

Burnham pledged his support on Thursday after saying that governments had “stood by for too long” while venues disappeared from local high streets.

“I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do,” he said.

“What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”