UK Treasury launches review of pub and hotel business rates

The UK Treasury has launched an independent review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels, aiming to reform the system to ensure it is fairer and more transparent for the hospitality sector. The review, announced on Monday, August 24, 2026, will be led by business rates expert Jerry Schurder and is expected to report its recommendations to the government by the end of March 2027.

The move follows a 20 percent cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England, announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham in July, which is set to take effect from April 2027. The government stated that the new review will assess whether current valuation methodologies for pubs and hotels remain fit for purpose, particularly after significant increases in rateable values this year following the end of pandemic-era relief measures.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said the government is "going further with a rethink of valuations so that we can build a fairer system for the future." He emphasized that pubs and hotels are vital for communities and economic growth. The Treasury has also launched a call for evidence to gather views from...