UKH calls for maximum discount as business rates reform bill becomes law

The Government’s commitment to reform the business rates system has become law as the Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Act received Royal Assent.

The new legislation aims to provide a permanently lower level of business rates for the hospitality sector.

UKHospitality is asking for the maximum discount to be applied to hospitality properties with a rateable value of less than £500,000.

It is also calling for hospitality properties with a rateable value over £500,000 to be exempt from the surcharge, in line with the Government’s intention to level the playing field for the sector.

The trade body claimed that a permanently lower level of business rates will “benefit hospitality businesses and, crucially, rebalance a system that has unfairly overtaxed the high street by billions of pounds”.

Kate Nicholls, UKH chief executive, said: “After UKHospitality campaigned for substantial business rates reform for years, legislation making this a reality is a landmark moment. We’re delighted that the Government is taking action to level the playing field for the hospitality sector.

“With the finer details set to be unveiled in the Autumn, the Government now needs to ensure this is meaningful by offering the maximum discount for hospitality businesses, after decades of paying significantly more than their fair share. It should also exempt hospitality businesses from the surcharge.”

She added: “Whilst we remain optimistic about business rates reform and its ability to give operators some of the financial respite they desperately need, this unfortunately won’t scratch the surface of the £3.4bn annual cost increases hitting the hospitality sector this month. We are urging the Government to work with us to enable hospitality businesses to unlock growth and jobs.”