Welsh business groups say 15 per cent rates relief falls short

Mace | 9th February 2026 | Trade Associations

The Welsh Government’s announcement of a 15 per cent business rates discount for pubs, restaurants, cafés and live music venues in Wales has prompted immediate reactions from the hospitality sector and business groups, who say the measure does not go far enough to protect struggling firms ahead of the 2026 to 27 financial year.

Around 4,400 hospitality businesses in Wales are expected to benefit from the temporary reduction on their business rates bills, which will apply for the forthcoming financial year and is designed to provide relief amid wider cost challenges. The scheme mirrors action taken in England, where pubs and live music venues have also secured a 15 per cent cut to new business rates bills alongside a freeze planned for a further two years. Trade bodies and hospitality representatives have welcomed the additional support in principle but have warned that it will not sufficiently shield venues from closures and financial strain, given the broader increases in business rates many are due to face. Sector groups say that even with the discount, a significant number of Welsh pubs will still see higher overall bills, particularly when compared with operators in England who benefit from more extensive and longer term relief. Campaigners in the hospitality sector have argued that the 15 per cent reduct...

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