Stephen Patterson, CEO of NE1 Ltd, the Business Improvement District company for Newcastle City Centre, said: “It is encouraging that the chancellor has listened to our concerns and the calls from businesses to offer some concessions to the pub trade and music venues.”
However, he said the measures do not fix fundamental problems with the business rates system and many companies feel they face a “slow death march to oblivion”.
The chancellor’s offer of support this week came after she had previously announced changes in the Budget that would increase business rates.
When asked why help would not be extended to other businesses, Reeves said pubs “are different” and a “huge community asset”.
But Emma Lewell, the Labour MP for South Shields, said: “Government support must expand to the whole sector, not just pubs and music venues.”
A Treasury spokesperson said the government’s package will stop bills rising for over half of business properties.
They added: “We will look at how hotels are valued for business rates to make sure the system is fair.
“Later this year we’ll publish a new High Streets Strategy to do even more to back Britain’s high streets.”