The Chancellor's package includes a 15 per cent cut to business rates bills from April, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze, alongside a review of valuation methods. David Baines MP (Image: Stock)St Helens North MP David Baines said: "Following the budget, I met with landlords across St Helens North to hear how they would be affected by changes to rates." I am glad to see that the government listened and acted to support the pub industry. "After years of pressure on the sector, with nearly 7,000 pubs lost across the country since 2010, this support package is what our local publicans need. "The business rates relief, alongside the new planning flexibilities and extended licensing for major sporting events, will help pubs in the short term.