Overview
- The Valuation Office Agency told MPs that about 5,100 pubs have seen their rateable values at least double, with average pub valuations up roughly a third based on 2024 assessments due to apply from April.
- Ministers have signalled a U-turn focused on pubs’ business rates, with details pending and reports indicating the Chancellor is resisting extending help to restaurants, hotels and other venues.
- The Autumn Budget cut the business rates multiplier but starts phasing out the 40% retail, leisure and hospitality discount, supported by a £4.3bn transitional relief scheme running to 2029.
- Parliament approved the Finance Bill on Tuesday, confirming an inflation-linked rise in alcohol duty from 1 February.
- UKHospitality projects around 540 pub closures in 2026 without broader support, and figures including Andy Burnham are urging a rebalancing of high street taxes over temporary fixes.