Somerset business representatives says new Prime Minister Andy Burnham hasn’t gone far enough in helping businesses.

The PM has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and smaller live music venues in England from April 2027.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Visit Somerset, which represents the county’s tourism and leisure sectors, are calling for wider reform to support businesses across all sectors facing ongoing cost pressures.

The group’s leaders said there are many other businesses across hospitality and the wider economy that continue to face significant cost challenges.

They want Chanceller John Healey to set a “clear and comprehensive” plan for business rates reform when he sets out his Autumn Budget later in the year.

David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and Giles Adams, Chair of Visit Somerset, said: "The announcement of a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues is welcome recognition of the pressures facing those sectors.

“It has been widely trailed in recent weeks that the new Prime Minister sees hospitality and venues as a priority, so in many ways this is a welcome but predictable move. And while this announcement is welcome, we must avoid resorting to headline-grabbing measures if we are serious about supporting a sustainable visitor economy. Businesses need meaningful, long-term reform that drives growth and investment.

"Here in Somerset, the visitor economy alone is worth £1.3 billion, accounts for around 7% of the local economy and supports approximately 24,000 full-time equivalent jobs. It is a vital sector for our county and one that requires much greater attention if it is to reach its full potential.

“A reduction in VAT for visitor economy businesses would be a genuinely transformative change for a sector that badly needs support and needs it urgently.”