Pubs and live music venues in Sefton could see a 15% reduction on their business rates bills for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Sefton Council has now approved the scheme being implemented locally, estimating that 165 Sefton business rate payers will qualify for relief under the Pubs and Live Music Venues Rate Relief scheme.
The total relief is estimated to amount to £337,994 in 2026/2027.
The scheme aims to help eligible businesses which are facing an increase to their business rates bills following the revaluation coming into effect from 1st April 2026.
There are no financial implications for Sefton Council as central Government will fully reimburse the actual cost of the scheme.
The Government has issued guidance on eligibility, with billing authorities being able to use discretionary powers to award rate relief.
Consequently, it is a requirement to adhere to Government guidance to enable relief to be awarded.
A Sefton Council report says: “The Government announced on 27th January 2026 that a Pubs and Music Venues Rate Relief will help eligible businesses facing an increase to their business rates bills following the revaluation coming into effect on 1st April 2026.
“On 27th January 2026, the government announced that eligible pubs and live music venues in England will receive a 15% reduction on their business rates bill for the 2026/2027 financial year. The detailed guidance on the Pubs and Live Music Venues Rate Relief Scheme was published on 18th February 2026.
“Local authorities will be fully compensated for the loss of business rates income associated with granting Pubs and Live Music Venues Rate Relief and the Government will also meet the associated administrative cost of implementing the scheme.
“Local Authorities will also be asked to provide data on the total cost for providing the relief.
“It is anticipated that businesses will receive the relief already applied to their annual bills for 2026/2027.
“It is currently estimated that in the region of 165 Sefton business rate payers will qualify for relief under the Pubs and Live Music Venues Rate Relief scheme. Total relief is estimated to amount to £337,994 in 2026/2027.
Information about the scheme will be published on the Sefton Council website and included in detailed guidance published online.
“The Pubs and Live Music Venues Rate Relief will be applied automatically to each eligible ratepayer’s bill without the need for an application.”
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