Prime Minister Andy Burnham's announcement of business rates relief for hospitality has been welcomed by many across the sector. For pubs, cafés and other social venues, this support could make the difference between staying open and closing their doors.

For many people, including those we support at Re-engage, the impact goes beyond business. These venues are often places where friendships form, conversations happen, and people feel part of their community; keeping them open helps keep people connected. 

Across the UK, older people have seen many local gathering places disappear. Community centres have closed, day services scaled back, and libraries and other public spaces have faced funding pressures. As these venues are lost, opportunities for connection are lost too.

For older people, fewer social spaces can mean fewer chances to get out, meet others, and take part in community life. Over time, this can lead to increased loneliness and isolation.

Connection is not a luxury. It plays a key role in supporting wellbeing in later life. When older people have regular opportunities to spend time with others, the benefits can be significant. People aged 75 and older who take part in Re-engage services report a 76% increase in happiness, a 70% increase in life satisfaction, and an overall positive impact on their lives (82%)*.

Pubs and cafés can help fill the gap left by the loss of other community spaces. They offer welcoming, familiar environments that are already part of everyday life in towns, villages and cities across the UK. For many older people, that sense of familiarity can make it easier to take part.

Re-engage already works with pubs and hospitality venues in some areas to bring older people and volunteers together. These partnerships create opportunities for meaningful conversation, friendship and valuable intergenerational connection.

Business rates relief is therefore about more than supporting the hospitality industry. It is also an investment in the social spaces that help people stay connected. Decisions about local venues can have a real impact on community wellbeing.

At Re-engage, we will continue to create opportunities for older people to build friendships through our social groups and services - and accessible and welcoming venues are an essential part of the picture. While business rates relief is a positive step, there must also be a wider conversation about protecting the community spaces where connection happens and loneliness is reduced.