UK PM Andy Burnham announces 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs across England

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Thursday announced a fresh 20 per cent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April, saying the move would give struggling businesses much-needed relief and reassure pub owners that "the cavalry is coming."According to the BBC, the new discount is expected to benefit nearly 32,000 venues and save the average pub around £1,100 ($1,472) next year.The measure will cost the government about £100 million and will be funded through changes to tax relief for businesses such as vape shops and tighter enforcement against firms that do not meet their tax obligations.'Pubs are our heritage'Defending the move, Burnham described pubs as an essential part of Britain's social fabric. "This is our heritage. It's working-class culture. Once pubs are gone, they don't come back," he said.Calling the relief package a "first step," Burnham said the government wanted to back businesses that communities value and ensure pubs remained at the heart of local life.What the relief includesThe additional 20 per cent reduction will take effect from April 2027 and comes on top of a 15 per cent business rates cut introduced earlier this...