VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Hospitality Industry: Business Rates

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratTreasuryTabled Answered 6 February 2026UIN 107590

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to business rates on the hospitality sector in Surrey Heath constituency.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson

At the Budget, the VOA announced updated property values from the 2026 revaluation. This revaluation is the first since the pandemic, which has led to significant increases in rateable values for some properties as they recover from the pandemic.

To respond to those who are seeing large increases, Government has already acted to limit increases in bills, announcing a support package worth £4.3 billion package at the Budget.

From April, every pub and live music venue will get 15% off its new business rates bill on top of the support announced at Budget and then bills will be frozen in real terms for a further two years.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim