²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Last orders for Great British rural pubs without business rate relief

Could beloved pubs in farming communities, which play an invaluable role in tackling rural isolation, be about to close without a U-turn on business rate relief? What will be left for those who rely on them for warmth, friendship and a sense of community?

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
"Pubs are not just businesses, they are anchors for rural and village life. Piling on business rates will accelerate closures and hollow out our countryside."
Image:

"Pubs are not just businesses, they are anchors for rural and village life. Piling on business rates will accelerate closures and hollow out our countryside."

Countryside pubs could soon be shutting down at an alarming number as Autumn Budget increases to business rates could leave many publicans facing bills they can ill-afford to pay. The British Beer and...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Shadow Defra Secretary calls for faster bluetongue testing and vaccine rollout

Shadow Defra Secretary calls for faster bluetongue testing and vaccine rollout

Victoria Atkins said Defra needed to 'drastically improve' the speed and quantity of communication to farmers, as well as accelerating testing and vaccine availability

Rachael Brown
clock 10 August 2026 • 3 min read
²ÝÁñÉçÇø protest outside Stormont over 'wild west' cattle cull

²ÝÁñÉçÇø protest outside Stormont over 'wild west' cattle cull

Mia Willemsen
clock 10 August 2026 • 4 min read
Pressure on Government to ban Brazilian beef and poultry imports

Pressure on Government to ban Brazilian beef and poultry imports

Brazil has been given until September 3 2026 to prove that its beef and poultry does not pose a human health risk

Rachael Brown
clock 06 August 2026 • 3 min read