Louise Haigh MP takes action to protect Sheffield’s grassroots music venues and local pubs.
Louise Haigh MP has written to the Chancellor to seek urgent action to protect Sheffield’s grassroots music venues and local pubs from planned changes to business rates announced in the Government’s Autumn Budget.
Following contact from local venue operators, publicans and constituents, the MP for Sheffield Heeley has raised serious concerns that the proposed changes could force valued community spaces to close their doors.
Analysis conducted by the Music Venue Trust found that grassroots music venues across the UK face a £7.2 million increase in their tax base, with hundreds of venues projected to see rises of over 50% in their Rateable Value, with dozens experiencing increases of 100%, 200% or more.
In her letter, Louise Haigh highlighted that the Valuation Office Agency currently treats grassroots music venues purely as commercial properties, failing to recognise their cultural importance, community role and contribution to the UK’s world-leading music industry. These pressures are being intensified by the planned reduction in business rates relief from 40% to 0%.
Louise Haigh has called for the immediate introduction of an emergency 40% business rates relief for grassroots music venues, similar to the support previously provided to film studios, recognising venues as essential creative infrastructure.
The MP has also raised the alarm about the impact on local pubs. Publicans in Sheffield have warned that the changes will place an unsustainable burden on their businesses, with some expecting business rates bills to rise sharply. It is projected that pubs could see their business rates increase by almost 30% over the next three years, threatening the future of much-loved neighbourhood pubs. One Sheffield Pub disclosed to the MP that it expects its annual business rates bill to rise to £6,000.
Louise Haigh has urged the Government to reconsider the business rates settlement for pubs and to review the Valuation Office Agency’s approach ahead of the next revaluation in 2029. She has requested a response from the Chancellor outlining how the Government intends to address these concerns and safeguard Sheffield’s grassroots venues and pubs for the future.
Louise Haigh MP said:
“Grassroots music venues and local pubs are the beating heart of our communities in Sheffield. They are places where people come together, where talent is nurtured, and where our local economy and culture thrive. The planned changes to business rates risk pushing many of these venues to the brink. I have written to the Chancellor to make clear that this approach is unsustainable and to call for urgent action to protect these vital community spaces before it’s too late.”
