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Welsh Government Plans 30% Rates Cut for Hospitality and Leisure Businesses

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 00:05

A wide range of hospitality, leisure, and accommodation businesses across Wales could see their rates bills reduced by 30% under a new Welsh Government proposal to support high street venues.

The plan forms part of a commitment to adjust business rates and strengthen town centres. If implemented, the permanent support would replace the current 15% temporary relief available to food and drink hospitality businesses, offering longer‑term certainty for operators.

The proposed reduction would apply to small and medium‑sized properties with a rateable value below £51,000. Sectors expected to benefit include:

  • Food and drink venues: pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, food courts, licensed clubs and live music venues

  • Visitor accommodation: hotels, guest houses and hostels

  • Leisure venues: cinemas, theatres, libraries, museums and gyms

Retail premises would continue to receive support through the existing lower multiplier.

To fund the changes, the Welsh Government plans a small increase to the higher multiplier applied to the highest‑value properties. Ministers say this approach would allow the new relief to be introduced without reducing the overall contribution business rates make to public services.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said "Our high streets are the heartbeat of communities right across Wales, and the businesses that fill them deserve our backing.

“This 30% cut to rates for pubs, cafés, gyms, hotels and so many other local favourites is about giving those businesses the confidence to invest, grow and keep serving the communities that rely on them.

“We’re making the system work better for the sectors that bring our town centres to life."

 

Regulations will be brought forward in the autumn and, subject to Senedd approval, will take effect from 1 April 2027.

The precise values of all multipliers for 2027-28 will be confirmed as part of budget preparations, following the UK Government's Autumn Budget.

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