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Vale Cabinet to consider support package for local pubs and rural businesses

26 June 2026

A one-off business rates top-up could help ease the financial pressures facing some of the much-loved local businesses at the heart of our communities.

Vale of White Horse District Council is considering options to provide practical support to local pubs and rural businesses to help them meet rising costs which continue to impact many across the area.

These organisations play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting local economies and providing important services close to home.

Cllr Mark Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “These businesses, run by local residents, are hugely important for our local communities, providing essential services and places where people form friendships and engage with each other. However, they face numerous financial challenges, including rising employment costs, persistently high inflation, declining consumer spending power and rising property taxes. So, we are considering what we can appropriately do to provide targeted support that would make a small but meaningful difference to many people.

“The council also struggles to balance the books, and so while this funding is limited and will not resolve all of the financial challenges businesses are facing, we remain committed to working with pubs and partners to provide access to practical support and guidance.”

A decision on the proposed support will be confirmed at the Cabinet meeting on Friday 3 July.

For more information, please see the 3 July Cabinet Agenda.