The government has announced a significant package of support for pubs and music venues across West Cumbria, cutting business rates, reforming licensing rules and setting out a new High Streets Strategy to help local hospitality businesses thrive.
Pubs play a vital role in communities across West Cumbria, providing jobs, supporting local supply chains and acting as important social hubs. However, the sector has faced sustained pressure in recent years, with rising costs, changing consumer habits and the long-term impact of the pandemic.
Under the new package, pubs will receive a 15% cut to new business rates bills from April, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze. The government will also launch a review into how pubs are valued for business rates, responding to long-standing concerns raised by the sector.
As a result, the average pub is expected to save around £1,650 in 2026/27, with around 75% of pubs seeing their business rates fall or stay the same. By 2029, the pub sector as a whole will be paying 8% less in business rates than it does today.
The announcement comes alongside confirmation of a new High Streets Strategy, to be published later this year, aimed at supporting retail, leisure and hospitality businesses and strengthening town centres in places like Whitehaven, Workington, Egremont and Cleator Moor.
Commenting on the announcement, Josh MacAlister MP said:
“Pubs are at the heart of towns and villages across West Cumbria. They support local jobs, bring people together and help keep our high streets alive.
“This package is about giving pubs some breathing space – cutting business rates, reducing red tape and backing them to plan for the long term. It’s a practical step to support local businesses and the communities that rely on them.”
The government has also confirmed £10 million in funding for the Hospitality Support Fund over three years, which will help pubs provide additional community services, including cafés, village stores and family-friendly spaces, and support people furthest from the labour market into hospitality jobs.
As part of licensing reforms, pubs and other licensed venues will be able to open later for Home Nations’ matches during the later stages of this summer’s Men’s FIFA World Cup. Further consultations will look at allowing later opening for major events, as well as increasing the number of temporary events pubs can host.
The package builds on the £4.3 billion of support announced at Budget 2025, including a cap on business rate bill increases and a permanent 5p cut to the business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
The government has also committed to consulting in the spring on loosening planning rules for pubs, making it easier for them to expand, add guest rooms or adapt their premises to meet local needs.
Josh MacAlister MP 