Children could be sent to pubs if cafes and soft plays shut down

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"In a statement to the Commons, Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson outlined that property tax bills for pubs and music venues across England will see a 15 per cent reduction in 2026/27, subsequently being "frozen in real terms" for the following two years. Mr Tomlinson defended the government's targeted approach when pressed to extend the relief, telling MPs that these establishments "are valued differently than other sectors on the high street.""

"Parents of young children face being left with only pubs as social options unless the government broadens its hospitality relief package, a Labour MP has cautioned. Stella Creasy urged ministers to reconsider the exclusion of vital community spaces like cafes, soft plays, and community centres from their plans, warning that their continued omission could lead to widespread closures. Echoing her concerns, Labour's Jim McMahon, a former minister, contended that the wider hospitality sector "could and should have" benefited from the support unveiled on Tuesday."

A national news outlet appeals for donations to fund on-the-ground reporting and to maintain free access to journalism. Parents of young children may be left with only pubs as social options unless the government broadens its hospitality relief package. Stella Creasy urged ministers to reconsider excluding cafes, soft plays and community centres, warning that continued omission could cause widespread closures. Jim McMahon said the wider hospitality sector could and should have benefited from the support. Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson announced a 15 per cent reduction in property tax bills for pubs and music venues in 2026/27, to be frozen in real terms for two subsequent years, and defended targeting those relief measures.

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