Re-engage has said business rates relief for hospitality could help protect important social spaces for older people.
The charity, which works to reduce loneliness among people aged 75 and over, said the measure carries significance beyond protecting businesses.
Jess Doyle, Head of Policy, Research and Consultancy at Re-engage, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of business rates relief for hospitality has been widely welcomed across the sector.
She said that for many pubs, cafés and social venues, the support could be the difference between staying open or closing for good.
Doyle said: “For many people, including Re-engage beneficiaries, this decision carries deeper significance.
“It is not just about protecting businesses; it’s about protecting the places where people connect and loneliness reduces.”
Re-engage said older people across the UK are feeling the impact of the long-term erosion of shared spaces.
Community centres have closed, day services have been reduced and many local venues, including libraries that once acted as hubs for social groups, have disappeared due to funding pressures and the absence of statutory support.
For older people, the charity said these closures mean fewer places to meet, fewer opportunities to leave the house and fewer chances to feel part of a community.
Doyle said: “When spaces disappear, so do chances for connection, and loneliness becomes entrenched.”
She added that connection should not be viewed as a luxury for older people, but as a protective factor.
Re-engage said prolonged loneliness affects the wellbeing of people in later life.
Its Annual Survey 2026 found that people aged 75 and over taking part in Re-engage services reported a 76% increase in happiness, a 70% increase in life satisfaction and an 82% overall positive impact on life.
Doyle said: “Connection helps people feel good; it strengthens identity and restores a sense of belonging.
“Loneliness is a public health issue; therefore, business rate relief is one significant health intervention needed by lonely and isolated older people.”
Re-engage said pubs and cafés are uniquely placed to help fill the social space gap.
The charity said they provide familiar, relaxed settings woven into the fabric of cities, towns and villages.
For many older people, that familiarity matters.
Re-engage already partners with pubs in some areas, providing intergenerational connection and reconnection without pressure.
The charity said it is one of several organisations using space at the Railway Pub in Stockport.
A Re-engage volunteer said the group represents about half the clientele on a Thursday afternoon.
The volunteer said: “It’s a popular group and great use of a pub for people looking for a community event.”
Doyle said business rates relief should not be seen only as an economic measure.
She said: “It’s one that can have a meaningful impact on social infrastructure.
“It helps keep open the very places that can support older people to stay connected, feel confident, and be part of their community.
“If we want to reduce loneliness among older people, it is important to recognise that hospitality venues are part of the solution.
“Policy decisions about business rates have social consequences.”
Re-engage said it will continue to create connection for older people through social groups, but accessible and welcoming venues remain vital.
The charity said business rates relief is a step in the right direction, but added that a broader conversation is needed about protecting other community venues where connection happens and loneliness is reduced.