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Sun, 23 Aug 2026

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 Review launched into how pub and hotel business rates calculated

The review of how rates are calculated in England and Wales could lead to reform of the system.

* A review into business rates calculations for pubs and hotels in England and Wales will be led by Jerry Schurder, a business rates expert.
* The review aims to reform the system and make it fairer for businesses.
* The government is calling for views from landlords, hoteliers, and business owners to feed into the process.
* 161 pubs closed in the first three months of this year across England, Scotland, and Wales, equating to the loss of around 2,400 jobs.
* Rising business rates are cited as one issue facing the sector, along with increases in National Insurance and minimum wage.
* The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says pubs pay a disproportionately higher business rates bill compared to retail venues.
* Schurder's review will feed into the next rates revaluation in 2029.
* The government has also announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England, which will come into effect in April.