British Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey has pledged the government's full backing for pubs, clubs and live music venues, as the new administration of Prime Minister Andy Burnham seeks to demonstrate it is tackling the cost of living from day one.
The British Beer and Pub Association says nearly two pubs closed every day in the first three months of the year, despite a fifteen per cent business rates relief that came into force in April.
Opposition parties say the government's pledges lack detail on how they will be funded.
Olly Barratt reports from London.
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Olly Barratt in London says opposition parties are challenging the new government over how it intends to fund the measures it has announced since taking office.
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