The Budget
Every Budget, we ask the Chancellor for changes that would help pubs, clubs, brewers, cider makers and consumers. This page tracks what we asked for and what the Government delivered.
Autumn Budget 2026: the outcome
28 October 2026We are glad that the Chancellor has targeted new measures at small pubs, independent brewers and cider makers, even if the wider picture on beer tax, VAT and energy costs will disappoint many drinkers, pub and beer businesses.
Ask by ask
How each of our asks was answered. Select an ask to see what was announced and our verdict.
UK-wide asks are set by the UK Government for the whole of the UK. Devolved asks are decided separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; the Chancellor's Budget only sets the policy for England.
Significantly cut alcohol duty specifically charged on draught beer and cider served in pubs.
A rise in alcohol duty rates in line with RPI.
£10 million Alcohol Duty Relief for small brewers and cider makers
Reduce VAT, including on alcohol to help wet-led pubs that don't serve food.
Introduce better rights and protections in the non-domestic energy market to help pubs with their energy bills.
Commit to a different regime on Employer National Insurance contributions to allow beer and pub businesses to hire the part-time workers they need.
Take steps to finally introduce a fair business rates system to deliver the permanently lower business rates bills that pubs were promised, and end the use of temporary reliefs and discounts.
What it means overall
Our overall rating for each area, taking everything in the Budget into account. Select an area to see the related asks.
Past Budgets
How each Budget measured up against what we asked for.
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