Overview
- New analysis shows 366 pubs were demolished or converted in the year to December, cutting the England and Wales total to 38,623.
- From April 2026, pubs face a revaluation that lifts average rateable values by about 30% to £40,245, adding roughly £365m to the sector’s taxable base.
- The Treasury cites a £4.3bn transitional package and says typical bills will rise about 4% next year rather than 45% without support, with relief tapering over three years.
- Pub is the Hub and major trade bodies wrote to the Chancellor accusing her of breaking a manifesto pledge on business rates and urging pub‑specific relief.
- Landlords report price rises, reduced hours and some immediate closures, with protests such as bans on Labour MPs and the biggest net losses recorded in the East Midlands, the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.