Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has praised the Prime Minister decision to slash business rates bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and smaller live music venues in England, in a move aimed at supporting struggling high streets.

The new discount, which will come into force from April, is expected to benefit almost 32,000 venues.

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a genuine step towards taking the pressure off business owners and putting our town centres first.”

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock at The Fox in Hook Norton.

placeholder image — Banbury MP Sean Woodcock at The Fox in Hook Norton.

He said: “Nothing beats a pub garden, especially in this weather.

“So, I'm really pleased that Labour is committed to backing pubs, as well as clubs and live music venues. These are important local assets, so we're giving them the tools they need to stay active on our high streets and in our communities.

“Our businesses are vital to our community, and pubs, clubs and live music venues provide valuable spaces for people to connect, socialise and engage with the arts.”

To help fund the tax cut, the Government has announced plans to review business rates relief for businesses it says do not make a positive contribution to local communities, such as vape shops.

Ministers have also unveiled proposals to crack down on businesses selling through online marketplaces that fail to meet their tax obligations, with any additional revenue generated set to be reinvested in the business rates system.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So I am changing that.

“This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that's what we will do. What we're announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: “Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets and town centres busy — which is why we will back them all the way."