UK business rates review for pubs hotels

The UK Treasury has launched an independent review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, led by Jerry Schurder, former business rates policy lead at Newmark Group. The review will report back by the end of March 2027 and will feed into the next rates revaluation in 2029. The government is also launching a call for evidence from landlords, brewers, hoteliers, and business owners. This follows a previously announced 20% cut to business rates bills for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England, effective from April next year. The move has been welcomed by industry bodies such as the British Beer & Pub Association, British Hospitality Association, and Marriott International, but critics, including Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride and Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper, argue the review is too late and call for more urgent action. The review is part of broader government efforts to reform the business rates system, with further changes expected at the upcoming Budget.