I appreciate the issues you raise. Pubs are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth across the UK and in our local area. It is important that the Government acts on the challenges they face. 

That is why I continue to support the new UK Government’s commitment, for example, to reform business rates to level the playing field for all businesses from hospitality to the high street. I welcome that the Government has said it will work closely on this with the businesses that shoulder the greatest burden from business rates, and I look forward to it setting out further information on its plans. 

On draught relief, I know that the Government is closely monitoring the impact of the alcohol duty reforms that were introduced in August 2023, including draught relief. It has highlighted the importance of allowing enough time to be able to understand the impacts these reforms have had on sales of alcohol. I will continue to monitor any developments on this issue, as I will in relation to business rates relief. 

In Wales business rates are devolved and I welcome that the Welsh Government is investing an additional £78 million to provide a fifth successive year of support to hospitality businesses with their non-domestic rates bills. This builds on the almost £1 billion of support provided through its hospitality rates relief schemes since 2020-21. 

Additionally, I am aware that the Welsh Government allocated £20 million to a Future Proofing Fund in 2024-25. This provides support for businesses investing in business and properties. Welsh Government has also established a Community Asset Commission. This includes examining the current challenges, and barriers to land ownership by community groups will be explored. 

I fully support these measures. Indeed, I believe the Welsh Government’s non‑domestic rates package demonstrates its continued commitment to supporting businesses to recover from the impacts of ongoing economic challenges and to thrive moving forward. 

I can assure you I will continue to support measures that I believe will play a crucial role in supporting pubs and the hospitality sector to thrive once again.