The government has launched an independent review of how pub and hotels are valued for business rates in England.
CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “This is another promising step from the new government. Our pubs have suffered for far too long under the current ratings system, which punishes bricks-and-mortar businesses and creates the ridiculous situation where global giants pay less per square metre for warehousing than a licensee does for their pub.
“An independent review is a great way to look at this, and we will definitely be taking part on behalf of beer drinkers and pubgoers. As always, the real difference will be dependent on the results. Hopefully, there will be fundamental changes to the out-of-date ratings system and publicans will have the certainty and incentive to grow their businesses.
"We hope the right stakeholders will be involved to make sure that the best outcome is found for publicans and pubgoers.
“Ordinary drinkers want their locals open, busy, and at the centre of communities. Tackling our unfair business rates system will help if the review delivers lower and fairer bills.”
Financial secretary to the Treasury James Murray MP said: “Pubs and hotels are vital for communities and bringing growth to every postcode. Last month we announced tax cuts for pubs to give them the breathing room they need. Today we’re going further with a rethink of valuations so that we can build a fairer system for the future.”
Business rates expert Jerry Schurder will lead the review and report back to the Treasury by the end of March 2027 in time for his recommendations to be implemented at the next revaluation.
Schurder said: “I look forward to hearing from businesses, representative bodies and valuation professionals as we assess how the current valuation methodologies for pubs and hotels operate in practice and whether they remain fit for purpose. Stakeholder evidence and engagement will be central to informing the review's recommendations.”
