Following Andy Burnham’s decision to cut business rates for pubs in England, CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins (pictured) said: “This is a brilliant start to the new prime minister’s tenure, living up to the statements that he’s made before about pubs, pints and people.

“Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social clubs, bricks-and-mortar businesses that are also vital social institutions for their communities and desperately needs reform.  

“As always, we need to see the details at the Budget, but another year of rate relief will provide vital breathing space to publicans in England, while the work to review the rating system for hospitality businesses presumably continues.”