Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 10:16 pm on 19 May 2025.
Alex Norris
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
10:16,
19 May 2025
That’s the spirit, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Before I finish, colleagues have asked about support to reduce overheads, and it is worth noting that nearly half of pubs have a rateable value of under £15,000, which takes them out of rates entirely. My hon. Friend Jayne Kirkham asked for a confirmation of rates, but I am afraid I cannot run ahead of the Chancellor, who will set the rates for 2026-27 at the forthcoming Budget in the autumn. For this year, there is a 40% relief, which I know is very welcome indeed.
To conclude, we have seen the strength of feeling from colleagues this evening, and also had a wonderful insight into the variety of ways in which pubs touch our communities. There is a common theme, which is the huge social value in people from a community, who know their community, coming together to tackle challenges and add to that community. We should want as much of that as we can foster, and the Government are keen to support that.
Question put and agreed to.
House adjourned.
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