Image source, LDRSImage caption, Rachel Reeves previously announced changes that would increase business rate billsByDaniel HollandLocal Democracy Reporting ServicePublished29 January 2026 Restaurants, hotels, and cafes are at risk of becoming "unsustainable" after being excluded from financial support from the Government, industry leaders in north-east England fear. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced pubs and live music venues will receive a 15% discount on their new business rate bills from April, following warnings that mounting costs could spark a wave of closures. But the support has not been extended to other hospitality businesses, leading one to claim the move "doesn't make sense". The Treasury said it planned to publish a wider High Streets Strategy later this year. Ollie Vaulkhard, whose Vaulkhard Group runs venues including Barluga and the Bridge Tavern, called the Treasury's commitment to just a part of the hospitality sector "underwhelming" and "incoherent".
Published: January 29, 2026 4:19 pm
Source: BBC — Read original