Easton: Hospitality in North Down is being “killed off” by savage rates hikes — while the rest of the UK gets 15% relief
Alex Easton MP has warned that hospitality businesses across North Down — in our city and villages — are facing punishing business rate rises that risk forcing more local venues to close.
Mr Easton said the figures now being reported by local hospitality operators are staggering and simply not sustainable.
“Across Northern Ireland, the Net Annual Value (NAV) of hotels has risen by 84%, while the NAV for pubs has risen by 47%. That is an extraordinary shock to an industry already stretched to breaking point,” Mr Easton said.
“Individual examples show just how extreme this has become. Another has risen from £32,800 to £53,500. We are seeing cases where valuations have increased by over 100% — including one venue facing a 112% rise, from £42,000 to £89,000. These are not minor adjustments — they are a hammer blow.”
Mr Easton said the consequences are already being felt in North Down.
“I am aware of businesses that have closed, and others now looking at reducing hours, cutting staff, or shutting their doors entirely. Every closure means jobs lost, empty units on our high streets, and real damage to community life in our towns and villages.”
Mr Easton also highlighted what he described as a glaring unfairness compared with the rest of the United Kingdom.
“While hospitality businesses in the rest of the United Kingdom are being given a 15% relief, Northern Ireland risks being left behind again. That is unacceptable. Local businesses here should not be penalised simply because of where they operate.”
The North Down MP confirmed he has written to the Finance Minister calling for immediate action and urgent mitigation for the hospitality sector.
“If support equivalent to the 15% relief available elsewhere in the UK is to come to the Northern Ireland Executive, it must be fully ring-fenced for struggling businesses, particularly hospitality — not swallowed up elsewhere or lost in bureaucracy. It must reach the venues that are fighting for survival.”
Mr Easton called for an urgent review of the current approach to business rates as they apply to hospitality.
“Hospitality is not a luxury. It supports local employment, tourism, town centres and community life. Ministers must act now — before more livelihoods are destroyed and more shutters come down permanently.”
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
