Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of business rates on investment decisions by hospitality businesses.

This question was answered on 7th September 2026
The Government recognises the important contribution that hospitality businesses make to local economies and communities and has taken several steps to support businesses with their rates to encourage them to invest. At Autumn Budget 2025, the Government introduced new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, worth nearly £1 billion per year and benefiting over 750,000 properties. The Government also introduced a £4.3 billion support package to protect ratepayers facing significant bill increases as a result of the 2026 business rates revaluation.

Furthermore, in July, the Government announced it is now going further by introducing an additional 20 per cent cut for pubs, social clubs, and all but the very largest live music venues, building on the support already in place. The Government launched a valuation methodology review for pubs and hotels last month. Jerry Schurder will lead this independent review into whether existing process is fair, transparent, and reflects the market. A call for evidence will remain open until 16 October 2026.