Welsh Government business rates consultation

This is a crucial opportunity to shape the future of business rates support for hospitality in Wales. 

Why this matters 

Hospitality is already disproportionately impacted by business rates and the proposed changes could make things even tougher. Without tailored support, the sector risks higher costs, reduced investment, and job losses in local communities. 

We urge all hospitality businesses to respond to the consultation to ensure your voice is heard.  

Welsh Government officials have said that template responses will not be accepted, so it’s important to personalise your response with your own business experience. It doesn’t need to be lengthy, just clear and reflective of your views. 

How to respond 

You can submit your views quickly and easily using the Welsh Government’s online consultation form: Welsh Government Consultation – Non-Domestic Rates Differential Multipliers 

Focus on questions 1–4 and 7. Key points you might want to include: 

• Q1:  Yes – the lowest multiplier should be offered to those most disadvantaged by the business rates system. Hospitality is disproportionately impacted by business rates. 
• Q2:  No – the proposed definition for a retail multiplier does not reflect the needs of the high street as it excludes hospitality. The definition must be broadened to include hospitality and the threshold increased to include as many hospitality properties as possible. 
• Q3:  Yes, however – a higher multiplier should not apply to sectors already over-taxed, such as hospitality. No hospitality business should pay a higher rate than the standard rate. 
• Q4:  No, not as it stands – the definition for a higher multiplier unfairly includes hospitality businesses, which would harm high streets, local communities, and jobs. 
• Q7:  Hospitality must be included in any business rates support if the policy is to succeed in revitalising high streets and protecting jobs. 

Make it personal 

In your response, be sure to: 

• Describe the impact on your business if current reliefs are removed or a higher multiplier is introduced (e.g., cost increases). 
• Explain how your business supports local employment and communities. 
• Highlight hospitality’s role in attracting footfall to high streets and tourist areas. 
• Emphasise the risk to growth and investment if business rates increase. 
• Call for hospitality to receive the same lower multiplier as retail. 

By taking a few minutes to respond, you can help protect the future of hospitality in Wales. Let’s make our voices count.