Tackling Business Rate Challenges – video blog
Watch us reveal the problem with business rate valuations.
Lewes, East Sussex, is home to some incredible pubs and a regional brewer (Harvey’s) steeped in history and character. Recently, I took a short tour around the town, visiting several of these establishments to highlight a pressing issue affecting the hospitality sector: business rate valuations for 2026. The recent publication of the 2026 business rate “revaluations” is proving to be a major challenge for pub owners, impacting profitability and sustainability over the coming three years.
During my visit, I spoke about how inaccurate valuations can put unnecessary strain on local businesses. I also spoke with long-standing Lewes publican Dominic McCartan of the Snowdrop Inn, who has fought against VOA valuations for many years now.
Many pubs are struggling to keep their doors open, not because of a lack of customers, but because of the financial burden imposed by these rates.
This isn’t just a Lewes problem—it’s a nationwide issue. You could have shot this video in many other towns and cities. Pubs are the heart of our communities, and they deserve fair treatment when it comes to taxation and valuation.
This isn’t just a Lewes problem—it’s a nationwide issue. You could have shot this video in many other towns and cities. Pubs are the heart of our communities, and they deserve fair treatment when it comes to taxation and valuation.
I’m inviting others to do the same, take a walk through your local town, visit your favourite pubs, and share their RVs and reveal the unfairness.
Let’s shine a light on the challenges caused by statutory valuation and push for change together.
Get in touch and let us know if you have shot a similar video or have noticed something troubling about business rate revaluations in your area.
Together, we can make a difference. If you’re a supporter of local pubs, now’s the time to speak up. Let’s keep these community hubs thriving!
For more resources and help with your business rates, see HERE
Pubs visited during the tour:
| Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Snowdrop Inn – dead-end road, edge of town | Snowdrop VOA listing |
| Dorset Arms – rooms, large site, car parks | Dorset Arms VOA listing |
| Gardeners Arms – High Street, plaza-style, street market and shops | Gardeners Arms VOA listing |
| John Harvey Tavern – town centre, historically rated lower than Snowdrop | John Harvey Tav VOA listing |
| Kings Head – huge, close to the football and the railway | Kings Head VOA listing |
| Lansdown Arms – the smallest pub in Lewes | Lansdown Arms VOA listing |
| Volunteer Arms – town centre, bus stops, car parks, supermarket, street market | Volunteer Arms VOA listing |
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