At Budget 2025, the Government confirmed changes to the business rates system from 2026-27, including a new system of relief for Retail, Leisure and Hospitality (RHL) businesses.
Government also confirmed the new RHL multipliers and that it will introduce a new higher-rate multiplier on the largest properties. Following additional concerns raised by a number of sectors regarding the impact of these changes, Government has today announced a package for further support for pubs and live music venues.
Responding to the announcement, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO, Lisa Wainwright MBE said:
"We are very disappointed and concerned by the Government’s announcement on business rate relief. While pubs and live music venues will receive additional support, sport and recreation facilities - many of which are under equally severe financial pressure - are left exposed to significant increases in bills.
"Indeed, revaluation data shows overall rateable values for some sports premises have gone up by as much as 70-80%. These increases are comparable to – and in some cases substantially more than – increases for other types of premises such as pubs, restaurants and hotels.
"The reality is that increased bills coming into effect this April threaten the viability of local grassroots clubs and community facilities which will in turn, reduce access to sport and recreation at a time when participation and physical activity should be a national priority.
"These are concerns we have raised with Ministers in advance of the Budget, and we have worked with the Government departments to highlight the impact these decisions would have on sport and recreation facilities and communities. We will continue to seek solutions to these challenges on behalf of our members.
"While we welcome Government’s commitment to review the wider business rates system and the basis for valuations, we are clear this must extend to sporting premises. Without supporting the broader sport and recreation sector, the Government risks undermining the sporting and community infrastructure it relies on to deliver its wider missions."
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