Arabic version: مراجعة لفحص ضريبة الأعمال على الحانات والفنادق
According to BBC News, the Treasury has launched a review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, which could lead to changes to the system. Business rates expert Jerry Schurder will lead the work on rate valuations and is due to report in March 2027. The government is seeking input from landlords, hoteliers and business owners.
James Murray, financial secretary to the Treasury, said the review would consider “a rethink of valuations – so that we can build a fairer system for the future”. Schurder, formerly business rates policy lead at advisory firm Newmark UK, will feed his findings into the next rates revaluation in 2029.
Pub groups have argued that their bills are disproportionately high. The British Beer and Pub Association said pubs are assessed differently from retail sites: rather than being valued only by floor area, they are judged using Fair Maintainable Trade, under which a pub’s rates bill rises when its turnover increases. The association said 161 pubs closed across England, Scotland and Wales in the first three months of the year, with around 2,400 jobs lost.
Emma McClarkin, the BBPA’s chief executive, called the review “sorely needed and hugely welcome”. The Federation of Small Businesses said broader reform was also needed, including a higher small-business rates relief threshold, while the British Retail Consortium said retailers’ needs must not be overlooked. Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said the review was too late, while Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper described reform as long overdue.
The review follows changes to support for hospitality businesses. After earlier discounts were scaled back, the government cut business rates for pubs and music venues by 15% earlier in 2026. A further 20% discount for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England is due to take effect in April on top of existing support. Eligibility details are expected at Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget in the autumn.
