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UK: HM Treasury has appointed business rates expert Jerry Schurder to lead a review of how business rates are calculate for hotels and pubs in England and Wales.
Financial secretary James Murray said that the government’s “rethink of valuations” is to help “build a fairer system for the future”.
It comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham cut business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues by 20 per cent from April 2027. The government faced calls from hospitality businesses to extend the relief package.
Leading the independent review is Jerry Schurder, a former business rates policy lead at advisory firm Newmark UK. He will report back to the Treasury by the end of March 2027, with recommendations to be implemented into the next rates revaluation in 2029.
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.”
A call for evidence has launched to ensure hoteliers, landlords, business owners and brewers are represented in the process. Responses to a series of questions will help to inform findings and recommendations. The call for evidence closes on 16 October 2026.
Highlights:
- HM Treasury has launched an independent review of business rates valuation methodologies for hotels and pubs across England and Wales.
- Business rates expert Jerry Schurder has been appointed to lead the review, with a formal call for evidence open through 16 October 2026.
- Following calls from the hospitality sector for expanded rate relief, the initiative aims to establish a fairer taxation framework for property owners and operators.
- Schurder will submit recommendations to the Treasury by March 2027, intending to integrate the findings into the subsequent 2029 revaluation cycle.
