The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on business rates but cautioned that the measure represents only a small first step towards addressing the significant cost pressures facing employers.
Pubs, clubs and live-music venues in England will receive a 20% reduction in their business-rates bills from April under plans unveiled by Andy Burnham as part of a £100 million package intended to support high streets and ease cost-of-living pressures.
Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement and recognise that any measure which reduces the financial pressure on businesses is a step in the right direction.
“However, this is a relatively small and targeted intervention when set against the scale of the challenges facing employers. Business rates are only one part of a much broader cost burden, with businesses continuing to contend with rising employment costs, high utility bills and escalating fuel costs.
“Business rates have consistently ranked among the top concerns reported by businesses responding to our Quarterly Economic Survey. The proportion identifying business rates as a challenge rose from 36% in the first quarter of 2025 to 47% in the second quarter of 2026, an increase of 11%.
“These findings underline the need for meaningful, long-term reform. Businesses across our region need a fairer and more predictable operating environment that encourages investment and gives employers the confidence to plan for the future.
“While this announcement will provide welcome support to some sectors, it must be seen as the beginning of a much wider programme of action rather than a solution in itself.
“The Government must now build on this small first step with a comprehensive plan to reduce the overall cost of doing business. This should include meaningful reform of the wider business-rates system, measures to improve energy affordability and practical action to reduce the impact of high and volatile fuel costs.
“Businesses need long-term certainty and sustained support, not isolated interventions. The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working constructively with the Government to ensure this announcement is followed by broader measures that support employers, protect jobs and enable businesses to invest and grow.”