Mayor Ros Jones has said she believes pubs are “vital community assets” following the Labour Government’s U-turn on a controversial tax hike.

The Labour Mayor of Doncaster was challenged at full council on January 22 by the Conservative deputy leader, Councillor Nick Allen, on whether she supported the government climbdown, following outrage from publicans across England.

Coun Allen said: “The original proposals, which were outlined last year in the budget in Autumn, could have devastated our local pubs here in Doncaster by increasing financial pressures and therefore forcing closures. Pubs are a vital part of the local economy and need your support.”

In response, Mayor Jones said: “I agree with you in that pubs are a vital part of the local economy and need us all to support them.

“However, can I remind you that it was the previous Conservative Government that implemented the temporary reduction in Business Rates following the COVID pandemic and that no relief was planned as per Conservative manifesto as of 2024.

“I am pleased the decision has been made through the announcement of £4.3bn of funding to help businesses as the relief is phased out.”

Mayor Jones said the Government had said there was “additional support” coming for pubs before new rates come in in April 2026.

She added: “Pubs are vital community assets, acting as social hubs that can help combat isolation, foster cohesion, and support local culture by providing accessible spaces for face-to-face interaction, hosting community events, supporting local causes, and serving as anchors that strengthen local identity and resilience, especially in some of our more remote towns and villages across Doncaster.”

The Government were planning to hike business rates on the hospitality sector from April 2026.

After backlash from pubs across the country, including some banning any and all Labour MPs, the Government announced a climbdown earlier in January.

However, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has hinted the u-turn may be for pubs only, leaving other parts of the sector – restaurants, hotels and other hospitality businesses – set to face the hike as planned.