Same pub, two bills: England and Wales compared
Written from Pembrokeshire, on the England-Wales border of this whole system.
Running a venue near the England-Wales border makes the difference between the two systems obvious. Broadly:
| England | Wales | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard multiplier (below key threshold) | 49.9p | 0.502 |
| Higher-band multiplier | 43p (RHL, £51k-£499,999) | 0.515 (above £100,000) |
| Pub-specific relief | 15% (pub & live music), 20% adds social clubs | No pub-specific relief; 15% Food & Drink Hospitality Rates Relief instead, capped £110,000 |
| All-property RV change 2023-2026 | +19.6% | +15.5% |
VOA 2026 revaluation compiled-list statistical commentary, GOV.UK, 2026 / GOV.UK, 'Estimate your business rates', 2026/27 multipliers / Business Wales, 'Business rates in Wales', 2026-27
Almost half of Welsh pubs already get small business rates relief, and over a quarter pay nothing at all (Welsh Government, 'Extra rates relief for pubs and restaurants announced').
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