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We are aware that Land & Property Services (LPS) is currently carrying out individual revaluations of 46 hotels and 68 pubs/bars, despite the broader Reval26 process being paused. We have raised concerns with LPS and sought clarification on the rationale for progressing these assessments outside the main revaluation exercise.
LPS has indicated that the revaluations relate to properties where physical changes, such as extensions, refurbishments, or improvements, may have occurred and could impact the property's rateable valuation.
LPs have stated;
“LPS has a statutory duty to maintain the valuation list and ensure that it remains fair and accurate.”
“As part of the revaluation process, estimated turnover figures were used to reflect physical changes that had taken place at some properties, such as extensions and improvements. When the revaluation was subsequently halted, those physical changes still required consideration as part of our ongoing responsibility to maintain the list.”
“Using the information available to us, LPS identified properties where the draft valuation showed an above-average increase following the removal of the temporary COVID-era allowance. These cases were selected for review to ensure that the valuation accurately reflected the property as it physically existed. As a result, 68 public houses and 46 hotels were identified for further examination”
“LPS staff have been working through these reviews. It is important to note that the legislation only allows valuations to be amended to reflect physical changes to a property, such as extensions, alterations or improvements. It does not permit changes to reflect wider economic or trading conditions.”
“In a number of cases reviewed so far, inspections confirmed that no relevant physical changes had taken place. In those circumstances, the existing valuation was considered to remain fair and accurate and was therefore left unchanged.”
Having secured the pause of Reval26, Hospitality Ulster remains firmly opposed to a rating system that penalises businesses for investing in their premises and places an unsustainable rates burden on hospitality operators. We will continue to gather evidence and engage with decision-makers to build the case for a fairer, more balanced rating system for all hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland.
Working together as one industry, speaking with one voice, and presenting one united case is the only way we will secure a fair outcome for the sector.
One Industry. One Voice.