Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry has called for immediate action by the NI Executive to help businesses hit by Land & Property Services controversial 2026 revaluation of non-domestic properties.
“We’re both hurt and angry on the back of the 2026 Reval. The sector has no problem paying its way in a fair and reasonable manner, but this is not what is being asked of it. While LPS might say that it defines its formula on ‘fair and maintainable trade’, there is nothing fair or maintainable about rates bill increases of over 100%, 200%, and 300%,” says Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill.
“Sectors essential to the Northern Ireland economy, such as manufacturing, have benefitted in the past from rates relief due to their importance. Hospitality is the fourth largest private sector employer in Northern Ireland. At a time when the Department for the Economy is leaning on the doubling of tourism revenue over 10 years to achieve its economic growth targets, hospitality accounts for four in every five tourism jobs. The 2026 Reval will be the ruination of the hospitality industry, which will be the ruination of the Northern Ireland economy.
“If action is not now taken by the Finance Minister John O’Dowd to address the crisis facing the hospitality industry, no action in response will be off the table. The hospitality sector is fighting for its life and that anger will be felt in the streets, in our pubs, restaurants, and hotels, and in the halls of Stormont. Whatever action we deem necessary will be taken.”