HM Treasury has appointed Jerry Schurder to lead an independent review of how business rates are calculated for hotels and pubs across England and Wales, officials confirmed Tuesday. The government says the review aims to create a fairer taxation system for hospitality property owners and operators.
Schurder, a former business rates policy lead at advisory firm Newmark UK, will examine whether current valuation methodologies for pubs and hotels remain appropriate. He will report findings and recommendations back to the Treasury by the end of March 2027, with those suggestions intended to shape the next rates revaluation scheduled for 2029. Financial secretary James Murray said the government is pursuing a “rethink of valuations” to help “build a fairer system for the future”.
The timing matters because the hospitality sector has been pushing for relief. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20 per cent cut to business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues, effective from April 2027. Industry groups had lobbied for the government to expand that relief package beyond its initial scope.
Call for Evidence
A formal call for evidence has launched to gather input from hoteliers, landlords, business owners and brewers. Responses to a series of questions will help shape the review’s findings. The call for evidence closes on 16 October 2026. Schurder indicated he wants to hear directly from businesses and valuation professionals about how current methods operate in practice.
“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,” Schurder said. “Stakeholder evidence and engagement will be central to informing the review’s recommendations.”
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The review will consider whether existing approaches to valuing hospitality properties accurately reflect market conditions and the challenges facing the sector. Unlike standard commercial properties, hotels and pubs often have complex income streams and operational structures that can complicate valuation calculations.
Business rates are a significant cost for hospitality operators, calculated based on the rateable value of commercial property. Revaluations typically occur every few years, with the next major reassessment set for 2029. The timing of this review suggests the government wants any methodological changes in place before that revaluation takes effect.
Industry groups have long argued that current valuation approaches do not adequately account for the seasonal nature of much hospitality trade or the impact of broader economic conditions on property values. How Schurder’s review addresses those concerns will depend largely on what emerges from the evidence-gathering process over the coming months.
Officials note that the changes will affect hotel owners and pub operators differently depending on their specific location and property type. [1] The independent review process seeks to address these disparities by analyzing current practices and proposing adjustments that ensure the tax burden aligns with actual economic realities.
