PUB owners are being urged to plan and prepare for upcoming changes to business rates as a government support package kicks in.
The measures, which include a 15% discount on business rates for pubs and live music venues and a freeze on increases for two years, are effective from April.
But whilst the support has broadly been welcomed by a leading accountancy firm, they are warning against complacency in light of the reliefs.
Victoria Thompson, Senior Accountant at JF Hornby & Co, said the changes should be built into financial planning as early as possible.
“While the discount will make a difference, it’s vital that pub owners understand precisely what it means for their cashflow and their wider business plans,” she said.
“This is not the moment to relax. It’s the time to review your forecasting, assess your overheads and make sure you have a clear picture of how the next two years will look.”
She added that the support should be used as an opportunity to strengthen resilience, not mask underlying pressures.
“A reduction in rates is positive, but it won’t offset rising supplier costs, wage commitments or changes in customer behaviour,” she said.
“By getting ahead now, owners can identify risks early, build contingency into budgets and make informed decisions that protect their long-term viability.”
The government says the package will save the average pub an additional £1,650 in 2026/27.
It follows widespread concern over previous assessments that would have left many facing sharp rises in their bills.
Despite this intervention, the pressures facing the sector remain significant, with the number of pubs in England having fallen by nearly 7,000 since 2010.
Against that backdrop, experts at JF Hornby & Co are urging pub owners to treat the new support as a trigger for action rather than a reason to sit back.
Victoria says early conversations with advisers can help ensure the changes are reflected properly in projections and that businesses have the clarity they need to plan confidently.
“Take advantage of the support,” she said. “But don’t rely on it. Use it as a springboard to build stronger, more robust financial foundations.”
