For the financial year 1st April 202 to 31st March 2027 (with effect from 1st April 2026), Wirral’s pubs and live music venues will be eligible to receive a 15% discount on their business rates bills.This relief, has been introduced on top of the support announced at the Autumn 2025 Budget and specifically introduced to lessen the impact of the 2026 business rates revaluation.
A 15% reduction applied to the daily business rates charge, valid for the period 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2027.
Business rates bills will then be frozen for qualifying venues in real terms for two financial years, 2027/28 and 2028/29
Awarded to pubs that meet all the following criteria:
Properties open to the public, allowing free entry (except for occasional entertainment), allows drinking without requiring consumption of food, and permits drinks to be purchased at a bar.
Exclusions: for these purposes, the meaning of a pub, excludes the following from receiving this relief
Relief is restricted to properties that are wholly or mainly used for live music performances for audience entertainment.
The following do not qualify and are excluded:
Local authorities, including Wirral Council are expected to apply this relief automatically.
For further guidance you can check GOV.UK