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Treasury Set to Ease Pub Business-Rate Increases After Backlash

Businesses urge broader support as an April revaluation nears.

Overview

  • Multiple reports say ministers are preparing a targeted package for pubs after widespread opposition to steep bills from the scheduled business rates revaluation.
  • Hospitality leaders and MPs are pressing the Treasury to extend any help to hotels and restaurants, warning a pubs‑only fix would be unfair.
  • UKHospitality estimates an average hotel faces a 115% rise in rates over three years, while the BBPA warns pubs could face an extra £150m annually and untenable trading pressures.
  • Operators cite sharp local impacts, including York pubs reporting up to 300% bill increases and a Wrexham hotel’s rateable value rising from £87,000 to £171,000 from April 2026.
  • Kemi Badenoch has branded the move a damaging U-turn for the government, and a Treasury source has acknowledged significant discrepancies between winners and losers as details of the relief are finalised.