The Autumn Budget is happening on 26 November 2025, and we want the Chancellor to take meaningful action for pubs, pints and people.

Far too many pubs have shuttered this year. Costs for publicans went up in April after a double tax whammy saw a reduction in business rates relief and increased Employer National Insurance contributions, the aftermath of last year’s Budget.

Our three main asks are:

• Complete the process to reform the Business Rates system to deliver a permanent lower rate for pubs. 
• Further reduce draught beer and cider duty by significantly extending the differential to 20%. 
• Scrap Employer National Insurance increases.  

We’d also like to see:

• Cut VAT for the sector, including on alcohol, to support wet-led pubs.
• Commit to an across-the-board alcohol duty freeze (notwithstanding cut in draught duty rate).
• Change the definition of cider for duty purposes to require 50% juice content.
• Scrap the unnecessary rules that are preventing draught takeaway sales from draught duty-paid containers.
• Action on the unfair energy market for the beer and pubs sector.

We’ve set up a simple e-lobby so pubgoers and beer lovers can ask their MPs to back pubs, pints and people in the Budget. We need as many people as possible to take part so our campaigning reaches the Chancellor.

Our Chairman, Ash Corbett-Collins and the Campaigns and Communications Team have attended Conferences, held by the major parties. The team talked to MPs and their staff about our campaigning priorities for pubs, pints and people, and how they can be supported in the Budget.