RATE INCREASES WILL BE FINAL NAIL IN COFFIN
22 January 2026
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster, said:
"The latest rates increases will be the final nail in the hospitality industry’s coffin.
Having witnessed what happened in England and the u-turn now underway by the Prime Minister, we are stunned by the lack of awareness on the state of the industry. The publication of the new rates list, which shows dramatic increases across the entire hospitality sector at a time when businesses are already under unprecedented pressure is simply madness and a clear demonstration that our government is not in touch with reality
“Coming out of Covid Hospitality Ulster secured reductions in NAVs via an adjustment of the formula (-20% for pubs and -30% for hotels), but even with them added back in, the current increases are unjustifiable.”
"We are seeing some premises valuation increase by as much as 282%. These are simply unsustainable figures for businesses already grappling with rising energy costs, food inflation, wage pressures and reduced consumer spending. Without urgent intervention, these increases will inevitably lead to more closures, job losses, and vacant premises in towns and cities across Northern Ireland.
"The Northern Ireland Executive must urgently agree a solution to tackle the burden of rates costs. One clear option already exists in the form of targeted hospitality rates relief. We are aware the total rates base in Northern Ireland has risen, which should offset some of the increase, but it won't make a dent in the level of increases we are seeing.
"Previous rate support in England generated substantial Barnett consequential funding for Northern Ireland, but that was kept by the Executive. Any monies that come here as a result of the Prime Minister's u-turn must be passed on to the industry. We have requested an urgent meeting with the Finance Minister to make sure he knows the potential consequences of the departments actions."