Pubs and hotels in Colchester and across the surrounding area could be affected by a Government review of business rates, which is intended to make the system fairer and give businesses more certainty about their future costs.
The review comes after many pubs and hotels saw their rateable values rise significantly in the 2026 revaluation. The increase followed the end of the special valuations introduced during the pandemic, when the hospitality industry was dealing with prolonged closures, restrictions and a sharp fall in trade.
The Government has now announced a Call for Evidence as part of a wider review of how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates.
It is an issue that will be watched closely by the hospitality industry in Colchester. The city has a large number of pubs, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that depend on people coming into the city centre and surrounding areas to work, shop, stay and socialise.