The UK government has pledged to overhaul how business rate valuations are calculated for pubs and hotels in England and Wales, following mounting pressure on Andy Burnham to support the struggling hospitality sector. An independent review will examine how the valuation system could be made fairer ahead of the next revaluation in 2029, after venues were hit this year by higher bills following the end of pandemic-era relief and fresh revaluations. It follows Burnham's earlier announcement of a 20% business rates cut for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England from April next year, though this year's rise in valuations will not be reversed.

The review will be led by independent business rates specialist Jerry Schurder, reporting to the Treasury by the end of March 2027. Industry bodies UKHospitality and the British Beer & Pub Association welcomed the move, though called for wider reform of business rates, noting that around two pubs a day are closing across Britain amid rising taxes, wages, energy and food costs. Separately, Burnham faces calls from 234 independent booksellers to extend similar rate relief to bookshops, with broader reforms to business rates expected at the chancellor's first budget on 28 October.