Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will receive a 20% business rates discount under a £100m government package intended to support high streets and ease cost-of-living pressures. Critics, including hospitality businesses and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, said the intervention was limited and urged the government to extend support or cut VAT instead.

The government says almost 32,000 venues will benefit, with a typical pub saving about £1,100 next financial year; the largest music venues will be excluded. The measure builds on 15% relief introduced earlier in the year, while ministers plan a wider review of business rates relief at the budget and propose funding the package partly by reconsidering relief for businesses such as vape shops.