Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “We are pleased the government has listened to our concerns, and those of publicans, consumers and MPs who rallied to defend our locals. This pub specific package will stave off the immediate financial threat posed by accelerating business costs and will help keep the doors open for many.

“This additional support will provide certainty for tens of thousands of pubs, with many seeing their bills frozen or falling and there will be a sigh of relief from landlords across the country.

“We will now work closely with government to establish a transformative long-term plan that works for all pubs through permanent business rates reform to ensure they remain at the heart of communities.”

On wider reforms:
“These announcements show a real commitment by Government to cut the regulatory burdens that have stifled pubs. This will make it easier for locals to remain at the heart of high streets and help keep people in jobs, communities connected and drive growth.”