The Rates Round-Up | 01 Oct 2026
Retailers put business rates back on the agenda
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has called for further business rates support as retailers continue to face pressure from operating costs.
The latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index showed shop price inflation easing to 1.4% in September, down from 1.5% in August.
The BRC has called on the Government to address business rates alongside other business costs, putting the issue back into focus ahead of the Autumn Budget.
Source: Reuters – UK shop price inflation slows despite cost pressures Reuters
Wales announces 30% business rates reduction for hospitality and leisure
The Welsh Government has announced that eligible hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value below £51,000 will receive a 30% reduction in their non-domestic rates bills from 1 April 2027.
The measure covers food and drink hospitality businesses including pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars and live music venues, alongside hotels, guest houses, hostels, cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms.
The support will be delivered by extending the lower multiplier currently available to qualifying retail shops. It is intended to be permanent and will replace the current 15% temporary relief for food and drink hospitality businesses.
Regulations are due to be brought forward in autumn 2026 and will be subject to Senedd approval. The precise multiplier values for 2027/28 will be confirmed as part of the Welsh Government's budget preparations.
Source: Welsh Government – 30% business rates cut for high street hospitality and leisure venues GOV.WALES
Pub and hotel business rates valuations under review
HM Treasury has launched an independent review into the methodology used to value pubs and hotels for business rates.
Led by rating specialist Jerry Schurder, the review will consider whether the current valuation approaches remain appropriate, whether they are being applied consistently and how clearly the resulting valuations are explained to ratepayers. GOV.UK
The review follows substantial changes in rateable values at the 2026 revaluation. Government figures show median rateable values increased by 32.8% for pubs and 32.2% for hotels between the 2023 and 2026 revaluations. Across all properties, the median increase was 15.4%. GOV.UK
One factor behind the increases is the timing of the previous revaluation. The 2023 Rating List was based on values at 1 April 2021, when COVID-19 restrictions were affecting pubs and hotels. The 2026 Rating List uses an antecedent valuation date of 1 April 2024. GOV.UK
Importantly, the Government's terms of reference state that any changes arising from the review will not affect current rateable values on the 2026 Rating List. Recommendations are intended to inform future revaluations. GOV.UK
The call for evidence is open until 16 October 2026.
Source: HM Treasury – Valuation Methodology Review for Pubs and Hotels
Further business rates support announced for pubs and live music venues
Pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England are set to receive a 20% reduction in their business rates bills from April 2027.
The Government estimates the measure will save a typical pub around £1,100 in its first year. Further details on eligibility and how the scheme will operate are still to be published. GOV.UK
This follows separate support for 2026/27, under which eligible pubs and live music venues can receive a 15% reduction in their business rates bills. GOV.UK
Source: GOV.UK – Business rates bills for pubs, clubs and live music venues
What does this mean for ratepayers?
These developments highlight how differently business rates can affect properties depending on their location, sector, rateable value and eligibility for support.
They also make it important to distinguish between the rateable value of a property, the multiplier applied to it and any reliefs or reductions available. A change to one does not necessarily mean the others have changed.
With the 2026 Rating List now in force, businesses should understand how their property has been assessed and check that the information used to determine their rateable value accurately reflects their premises.
At CPA, our team can review your business rates assessment using comparable evidence and detailed analysis to identify potential inaccuracies and opportunities for savings.
Let’s Get Started!
If you're unsure about your current rateable value, we just need a few details to get started.
If you’re able to upload your latest business rates bill, this will give us a clear view of your current assessment and allows us to begin straight away. Our review is simply to identify whether savings can be made and there is zero obligation.
We carry out a full risk assessment before taking any action, ensuring your position is protected, and our no-saving, no-fee service means we don’t charge any fees unless a saving is secured.
