Latest News for Business Click on a headline to read the full story. 05 Feb 2026Pubs get 15% business rates reliefPubs and live music venues in England will be given a 15% discount on their business rates bills from April and will not see increases for two years, the government announced. 05 Feb 2026Tax timebomb poses existential threat to high streets, government warnedSmall businesses such as cafes, shops and hairdressers are facing three years of business rates misery with an average 52% hike in bills, analysis from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has revealed. 05 Feb 2026Self assessment payments via the HMRC app up 65%The number of people using the HMRC app to pay their self assessment tax bill has increased by 65% this tax year, according to the tax authority. 05 Feb 2026UK Treasury to regulate cryptocurrency under new legislationThe UK will bring cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, into a regulatory framework with legislation due by 2027. 05 Feb 2026UK lenders agree £11 billion SME packageFive major UK banks have agreed a £11 billion lending package aimed at SMEs to support small business growth, the government has announced. 05 Feb 2026Over 4,800 self assessment scams reportedMore than 4,800 self assessment scams have been reported since February 2025, according to data released by HMRC. 05 Feb 2026UK inflation will fall in 2026The UK can expect to see big falls in the rate of inflation this year, according to the Resolution Foundation. 05 Feb 2026Government must ramp up its growth strategy, says think tankDespite falling behind its peers the UK economy could be on the brink of a turnaround so the government must ramp up rather than run-down its growth strategy, says the Resolution Foundation. Archive NewsClick here to access our full archive
