World
UK: Burnham cuts business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs and live music venues
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on July 23, 2026, a 20% reduction in business rates — the British commercial property tax — for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England. The measure affects 32,000 establishments and is expected to save an average of £1,100 per year for a typical pub. The estimated annual cost is roughly £100 million, partially funded by removing tax reliefs granted to vaping shops. This is the third major announcement by the new government in three consecutive days, according to The Guardian.