Andy Burnham has announced a 20 per cent cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues (excluding the largest ones), his third major policy announcement in as many days since becoming prime minister. The move is intended to support community businesses and high streets, but it raises questions about affordability and fairness, since it is currently unfunded and full details of who qualifies won't emerge until the autumn Budget.

The relief, due to take effect from April next year, is expected to cost around £100m and save a typical pub about £1,100 annually, according to the government. Ministers say it will be funded through a review of tax reliefs for businesses deemed not to benefit local communities, such as vape shops, though this has yet to be confirmed. Industry figures welcomed the announcement but noted it does not address wider pressures such as VAT, energy and staffing costs, with one pub owner calling for broader tax reform; separately, an industry report found roughly 860 pubs closing per year, or more than two a day.