UK rates revision promises extra discounts for pubs and leisure venues
The Government will adjust the rates used to calculate bills for England’s retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, with changes applying from April 2027 after updated guidance was issued to local councils. The hospitality business rates multiplier will be reduced by 0.2p, increasing the discount against standard rates from 5p to 5.2p. The small business multiplier falls from 39.7p to 39.5p, while the standard hospitality multiplier drops from 44.7p to 44.5p. Ryan estimates the revisions will unlock around £33m in additional annual discounts across eligible firms, though savings will depend on eligibility and existing relief. The Government said the changes ensure inflation adjustments are applied consistently and reflect its original policy intention. Alex Probyn, practice leader for property tax in Europe and Asia-Pacific at Ryan, welcomed the revision but criticised the timing, saying the correction is welcome and that stability and certainty depend on getting the published tax rates right. The move follows the Chancellor’s October Budget announcement of expanded business rates relief, including a higher threshold for full Small Business Rates Relief from £12,000 to £18,000, and comes after Ryan warned hospitality, leisure and accommodation could face a £129m uplift in rates from inflation. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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