HU Leads Charge On Business Rates Review

16 July 2019

Hospitality Ulster has welcomed the recent announcement by the Department of Finance that a comprehensive review of business rates is be prioritised and called on the Department’s Permanent Secretary Sue Gray and her team to make sure the process is carried out as efficiently as possible.

The organisation is now working hard to make sure the hospitality sector, which has been crippled over the tears with business rates, has its voice heard and that the new rating system that is brought forward is fit for purpose.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster commented:

“The recent announcement from the Department of Finance of this review into non-domestic rates is good news. We have consistently lobbied for this over several years and are pleased that our call has been heard. It is vital now that the review is carried out as efficiently as possible.”

“While this is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end. This review provides us with a roadmap for radical change to an antiquated and not fit for purpose system of business rates which is a major burden for our members. The review should now be carried out as speedily and effectively as possible.”

“In this review we will be outlining significant changes to Rates, including our proposals for a targeted approach to small business rates relief, a revamp of the Rates Hardship fund and greater relief for new start businesses.”

“At the last UK Budget, the Chancellor gave independent retailers and hospitality businesses a third off their rate bills in England. We want nothing less than this for our members in Northern Ireland.”