Rates row settles as Minister withdraws REVAL 2026, but 2023 flood- affected businesses could be left in the lurch
The much-awaited Reval 2026 was published last week reflecting the Land and Property’s re-assessment of NAVs ( ) across Northern Ireland and a storm of protest quickly arose from the hotel and hospitality sector.
As with every revaluation of the rates, there will be winners and losers.
A Downpatrick businessman summed up the REVAl case saying: “The hotel sector claim they are being hard done by and protested vigorously through the NI Hotel Federation, and Hospitality Ulster pleaded the case for the bar and restaurant trade.
“However, Minister John O’Dowd quickly decided to suspend the revaluation due to a number of key issues, one being that it has reverted to the old NAV. This may suit some operators in the hotel sector.
“Some businesses in Newry and Downpatrick saw NAVs reduced to offset the reduction in rental values of the properties affected as a consequence of the floods.
“So these affected properties will continue to pay excessive rates, and in addition it has emerged that only 30% of the hotel sector has responded to the Land and Property Service about information about their turnover, noting that rates are calculated on a percentage of the turnover.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council has against this background, the task of setting the annual rate on Monday evening at its full council meeting at 6pm based on NAV calculations that need to be revised using the old NAVs.
The meeting in Council will be heard behind closed doors once again the councillors will try and iron out the bumps and find an acceptable rate for 2026-27, but flood-affected traders in Downpatrick and Newry are concerned and waiting for further news that could make or break some businesses as the new rate is set.
Hospitality Ulster Chief Comments Of Rates REVAL U-Turn
statement from Hospitality Ulster on Minister of Finance’s decision to halt Reval 2026
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said on: “Hospitality Ulster welcomes today’s announcement by the Finance Minister John O’Dowd that he intends to halt Reval 2026 and review the process that brought the hospitality to this crisis point.
“At a time when hurt and anxiety were at all-time highs in the sector, it is a relief that the Minister has listened to the people who are both a cornerstone of our economy and who provide an invaluable service to our society.
“This demonstrates the value of having locally elected politicians that can intervene.
“Hospitality’s opposition to Reval 2026 has never been based on an unwillingness to contribute our fair share to rates revenue, but about communicating that what was proposed was not fair and would have been the death knell for our industry.
“We now look forward to working with the Minister to come to a solution that allows the sector to pay its fair share and develop at the same time, allowing the sector to contribute positively to the growth of the Northern Ireland economy.
“Hospitality stands ready to play its part; we now await the Minister’s next steps and further clarity on what this means for our industry.”
NIHF Welcomes Ministerial Decision on REVAL 2026
Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF), said: “The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation welcomes the Finance Minister’s decision to halt the REVAL 2026 process.
“This pause is both necessary and constructive, and reflects the feedback that has been consistently raised by hotels and the wider accommodation sector.
“We welcome the Finance Minister’s acknowledgement of the points raised and appreciate the willingness to pause and engage with the sector.
“The scale and timing of the proposed changes had created significant uncertainty for many businesses, and this decision provides valuable breathing space to reflect carefully and to work collaboratively towards a more balanced and proportionate approach.
“Hotels are not resisting fair contribution, but the current valuation approach does not adequately reflect rising operating costs or the need for continued reinvestment.
“We look forward to engaging constructively with the Minister and the Department of Finance to help shape a fairer, more transparent and sustainable rates framework that supports public services while safeguarding jobs, investment and Northern Ireland’s tourism competitiveness.”
