Welsh Budget is 'disastrous' says hospitality group

UKHOSPITALITY Cymru has slammed the Welsh Budget as 'disastrous' for Welsh hospitality, with the sector being hit with a mammoth £122m hike to its business rates bills over three years.

- By OWEN HUGHES Business Correspondent

The trade body said the continued exclusion of hospitality from business rates reform will accelerate high street decline, job cuts and business closures.

Its analysis reveals that, when compared to the current financial year, the sector's business rates bill will increase by £29.4 million next year, £40.1 million in 2027/28 and £52.6 million in 2028/29.

In total, they say business rates will increase by 63% over the next three years.

The increases are driven by the removal of current business rates relief, hospitality being excluded from business rates reform and an inadequate package of transitional relief.