Music venues and pubs to receive discount on business rates

There has been some financial support announced for music venues and pubs in England.

Date published: 28th Jan 2026

The government has announced a financial support package for music venues and pubs in England. It comes after backlash against plans to change business rates. Now, an £80 million package is set to save venues £1,650 a month (a 15% discount, as reported by The Guardian), when the new rates start in April.  

The news has been welcomed by the Music Venue Trust, who have been opposed to the proposed rate changes. However, on Instagram, they have warned that they will be investigating whether this rate cut is enough to keep venues alive. These changes only apply to England for now, but the government have stated that funding would be put aside for Scotland and Wales to do the same.

To see more about the work of Music Venue Trust, click here.

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Header image credit: Amie Johnson