Newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that live music venues, clubs and pubs will get a 20% cut in business rates from April. This cut, says No 10, could save a typical pub an estimated £1,100 in tax once it’s introduced.

“I’m giving thousands of pubs, clubs and music venues a 20% cut in business rates,” the PM announced on X. “I won’t stand by while these cherished local spaces disappear, replaced by boarded-up windows and ‘For Sale’ signs. They’re the heart of our communities and it’s time we backed them.“

The UK Government says that around 32,000 live venues, clubs and pubs will benefit from the cut, which will cost around £100m and will be funded through a review of tax reliefs given to businesses “such as vape shops“.

The UK Government says that the “very largest live music venues” will be excluded, however it is currently unclear which venues will not benefit. Full details are expected to be announced as part of Andy Burnham’s budget in the Autumn.

Music industry bodies are already welcoming the news, but are hoping for further clarification on the types of venue which will be excluded.

Mark Davyd, CEO Music Venue Trust (MVT), said that the news is an “encouraging first step” and that the cuts represent “one of a range of opportunities available to Andy Burnham’s new team to not just protect and secure live music, but begin to restore its central role at the heart of our towns and cities.”

Mark also asks that the measures are expanded to all live spaces. “Live music is an ecosystem, and we strongly urge the government to reconsider the proposed limit to the eligibility criteria so that all live music spaces of all sizes qualify, supporting jobs, local economies and communities to access live music.“

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), is also encouraged by the news.

“The inclusion of clubs alongside pubs and live-music venues is particularly important and demonstrates a broader recognition of the vital economic, cultural and social contribution made by the night-time economy,” he said. “We will also seek clarity on the proposed exclusion of the largest live-music venues and continue to press for the final scheme to provide the broadest possible support.“

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