51AVÊÓÆµ

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 Farmers 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

Farmers need more than an IHT tweak, says H&H

Farmers need more than an IHT tweak, says H&H

Tim Sedgewick, a director at H&H Land & Estates, welcomed the rise in the inheritance tax thresholds but calls for much more for farmers

Alex Black
clock 07 January 2026 • 2 min read
Campaigners seek High Court ruling to question Ed Miliband's 'desecration' of farmland for solar

Campaigners seek High Court ruling to question Ed Miliband's 'desecration' of farmland for solar

Goole and Pocklington MP David Davis said solar infrastructure not only places a risk to food security, but also the quality of life for countryside communities, the natural environment and surrounding wildlife

Chris Brayford
clock 06 January 2026 • 5 min read
France to tighten import rules after farmer protests

France to tighten import rules after farmer protests

In a letter to farmers, the Prime Minister has promised to take a common sense approach

Alex Black
clock 06 January 2026 • 2 min read