LANDLORDS were saying ‘cheers’ to the Chancellor this afternoon after getting a business rate discount in the Budget.

The most recent rate revaluation saw smaller firms hit with the sharpest increases seen for many years.

Under pressure from Conservative MPs to soften the blow, Phillip Hammond announced a £435m package to help those hardest hit and pubs in particular will see a £1,000 discount on their business rate bill this year.

George Arkell, managing director at Arkell’s Brewery, said: “On the face of it the Chancellor’s £1,000 discount on business rates bills for pubs is good news.

“It will certainly reduce the impact of the increased charges that were to come into effect from April 2017 and should particularly benefit our smaller pubs.

“More disappointing is the rise in duty on beer in line with RPI inflation, ending a freeze which has been in place for some years. We continue to support the Beer & Pub Association’s campaign for lower business rates on pubs. Pubs play a vital role in their communities and are a force for good.”

A £300 million fund will also be distributed among local authorities to give discretionary support to small firms facing the sharpest rises.