# Burnham Cuts Pub Rates Amid Economic Pressure | Toronto News

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/toronto-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7593854/burnham-cuts-pub-rates-amid-economic-pressure-toronto-news.md
Podcast: [Toronto News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/toronto-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7593854)
Published: 2026-07-23T12:29:35+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/ddec28fdeda36e06
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/091360b6-ea42-4534-8e1a-c6c7190ad6f9.mp3
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Duration seconds: 108

## Resource

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is rolling out a bold new plan to ease the cost of living crisis, slashing business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues starting April 27 — a move expected to save each of the 32,000 affected businesses around £1,100 annually. This is his third major economic move since taking office, following bus fare caps and VAT removal on household electricity. But with an estimated £100 million annual cost to the government and no clear funding source yet, critics are raising eyebrows — especially as opposition parties point out previous, deeper cuts were offered. Business owners applaud the gesture but argue it’s not enough, calling for a full business rates overhaul and direct cash support for households. Meanwhile, amid rising energy and labor costs, pubs are closing at a rate of one per day. Adding intrigue, a group of 120 millionaires have penned a letter urging Burnham to tax the wealthy more — claiming it could generate the funds needed to make these policies stick. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ddec28fdeda36e06

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