Government sets out plan to “deliver for rural communities”

The Government’s Future of Rural England report sets out a series of commitments expected to have a direct impact on pubs, hospitality businesses and other licensed venues operating in rural areas. The plan outlines economic, infrastructure and workforce measures intended to strengthen rural economies and improve the operating environment for businesses that rely on local footfall, tourism and community use.

A central commitment is the introduction of permanently lower business rate multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure. According to the report, more than 750,000 ratepayers will benefit from relief worth £900 million. For rural pubs, restaurants, theatres and live‑music venues, this represents a reduction in fixed operating costs at a time when many face rising energy bills, staffing pressures and inflationary challenges.

The report also places significant emphasis on the rural visitor economy. Tourism related businesses employ around 15% of the rural workforce, and ministers say the forthcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy will prioritise rural destinations. Local Visitor Economy Partnerships will coordinate investment and support attractions, which is expected to increase visitor activity and strengthen the commercial environment for hospitality and licensed premises.

Transport and digital connectivity form another major part of the plan. The report highlights improvements under the Bus Services Act, continued Local Authority Bus Grants and national digital programmes such as Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network. Enhanced transport links and digital access are expected to help rural pubs and venues attract customers, modernise booking and payment systems, and operate more efficiently.

Workforce and housing pressures are identified as structural challenges for rural employers. The report links affordable housing supply to the ability of businesses to recruit and retain staff. Planned reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and investment through the £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme are intended to support rural labour markets, which may ease staffing difficulties for hospitality operators.

The Government also outlines wider support for rural SMEs, including expanded Start‑Up Loans, the Growth Guarantee Scheme, the ENABLE finance programme and a new Business Growth Service delivered through local Growth Hubs. These measures are designed to improve access to finance and business support for small and medium‑sized enterprises, including licensed venues.