Following news of UK pubs, clubs and live music venues set to receive a 20% reduction in business rates, read our Chair Dee Corsi’s full reactive statement below:

Dee Corsi, Chair of High Streets UK, said: “Burnham’s decision to support some parts of the high street ecosystem is welcome news. But the reality is that it doesn’t go far enough. Pubs, clubs and live music venues play an essential role in all communities, but retail and leisure are an equally vital part of the high street equation.

“For the Government to get the economy to grow again, all high street businesses need to thrive, not just survive. The Government must recognise retail, hospitality and leisure as the interconnected ecosystem they are – anchor stores drive the footfall that supports the surrounding businesses and should be supported in the same way. Andy Burnham’s arrival offers a fresh opportunity for the Government to recognise this.

“Our country’s flagship high streets have been neglected for too long and simply can’t continually shoulder these costs. We need relief across the board for the good of our economy and communities.”