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UK vows to make business rates valuations fairer for pubs and hotels

The review, led by business rates specialist Jerry Schurder, will report to the Treasury by the end of March 2027 and assess valuation rules ahead of the 2029 revaluation date.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

The UK government has promised to make business rate valuations “fairer” for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, with an independent review set to examine how hospitality venues are assessed under the current system. The change comes after hospitality businesses faced higher bills this year following the end of pandemic-era relief and the start of new revaluations.

The review will be led by Jerry Schurder, an independent business rates specialist, and it will report back to the Treasury by the end of March 2027. It will consider the valuation methodology before the next revaluation date in 2029, and the government said this year’s rise in valuations will not be affected.

The announcement follows actions and political pressure aimed at easing the tax burden on hospitality as businesses also contend with rising energy and food costs. Ahead of next year, Andy Burnham has said he will cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England by 20% from April next year.

Treasury’s financial secretary James Murray said a rethink of valuations would help build a fairer system for the future, while trade groups including UKHospitality and the British Beer and Pub Association welcomed the review as a step toward reflecting trading realities for the sector.

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