Government launches review to make pub and hotel rate valuations fairer
An independent panel led by rates specialist Jerry Schurder will examine how business rates are assessed for hospitality venues after recent increases following the end of pandemic relief. The review, due to report to the Treasury by March 2027, will consider valuations ahead of the next revaluation in 2029 but will not alter this year's hikes. Treasury financial secretary James Murray said the move supports community hubs and growth, while industry leaders welcomed the scrutiny of the valuation methodology.
The government announced one outlet's review to overhaul business-rate valuations for pubs and hotels across England and Wales, responding to pressure on the hospitality sector. Jerry Schurder, a specialist in business rates, will head the inquiry, which must deliver findings to the Treasury by the end of March 2027 and will look at valuations before the 2029 revaluation cycle, leaving this year's increases untouched.
Treasury financial secretary James Murray emphasized the importance of pubs and hotels to local economies and called for a fairer future system. Representatives from UKHospitality and the British Beer & Pub Association praised the initiative as a needed step toward aligning rates with trading realities. The review follows earlier promises by Mayor Andy Burnham to cut rates for certain venues and broader calls to ease tax pressures on the industry.
Why it matters
Fairer business rates could help struggling pubs and hotels stay open and support local communities.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage highlights praise for the review as a needed, fair step for pubs and hotels, while centrist coverage frames it as a government response to industry pressure and stresses recent rate cuts and closure statistics.
LEFT
The review is presented as a welcomed, fair-focused initiative praised by industry groups.
CENTER
The review is portrayed as a factual government response to industry pressure, detailing the review process and recent rate-cut impacts.
The left emphasises
- a needed step toward aligning rates with trading realities
- importance of pubs and hotels to local economies
- praise from UKHospitality and the British Beer & Pub Association
In this story
