Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has publicly signaled his desire for the UK government to go 'further' regarding business rate relief ahead of the upcoming budget announcement. Currently, the government provides a 20% discount on business rates for pubs and similar hospitality venues, a policy that was among the first initiatives introduced by the Prime Minister upon taking office.

Burnham’s comments suggest a push for a more comprehensive approach to business taxation, though specific details on which sectors he believes should be prioritized or the extent of the relief he is seeking remain limited. The debate over business rates has long been a point of contention for local leaders, who argue that the current system places a disproportionate burden on high-street retailers and hospitality businesses compared to online competitors. While the government has acknowledged the pressure on these sectors, it has yet to outline plans for a major overhaul of the business rates system. The upcoming budget will be a key indicator of whether the administration intends to maintain the current targeted relief or expand support to a wider range of businesses as requested by regional leaders like Burnham.