Business & Finance

UK government launches review into business rate valuations for pubs and hotels

An independent review led by Jerry Schurder will examine hospitality property valuations ahead of the 2029 revaluation cycle.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 00:18 UTC2 reports

The short version

The UK Treasury commissioned an independent review into how business rates are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales.
Led by business rates expert Jerry Schurder, the review is scheduled to report back in March 2027 to inform the 2029 business rates revaluation.
Hospitality leaders welcomed the valuation review amid rising costs and closures, while opposition figures and other retail groups urged broader tax reform.

The Treasury launched an independent review led by Jerry Schurder to assess business rate valuations for pubs and hotels across England and Wales, with findings due by March 2027.[BBC News · The Guardian]
The review's conclusions are planned to take effect during the 2029 business rates revaluation, leaving current-year valuation increases unaffected.[BBC News · The Guardian]
Unlike standard retail premises evaluated primarily by floor space, pubs are assessed using a Fair Maintainable Trade metric tied to turnover.[BBC News]
The British Beer and Pub Association reported that 161 pubs closed in England, Scotland, and Wales in the first quarter of the year, affecting roughly 2,400 jobs.[BBC News]
A 20% business rates discount for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England was announced to take effect in April.[BBC News · The Guardian]

Specific eligibility criteria for the upcoming 20% business rates discount, including definitions for pubs and venue size exclusions, remain pending an official budget announcement.[BBC News]