The NI Hotel Federation welcomes the Department of Finance Minister’s reconsideration of REVAL
In a response to the Department of Finance announcement issued today by Finance Minister John O’Dowd confirming that the Reval 2026 process has been halted, 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 (rates’ 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.”
O’Dowd Halts REVAL Process
Finance Minister John O’Dowd has today at 1pm announced that he has stopped the Reval 2026 process.
Speaking today about the decision, Minister O’Dowd said: “I want our local businesses to thrive; they are the backbone of our communities.
“I have listened carefully and I am very aware of the concerns raised by businesses—particularly hotels, pubs and other hospitality businesses.
“I remain in listening mode, I will now consider the next steps. My focus remains on supporting our public services, our local businesses and growing our economy.”
UUP Response To Finance Minister’s Halting of REVAL
Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA said: “The recent climbdown by Finance Minister John O’Dowd on Rates Reval 2026 starkly highlights Sinn Féin’s tone-deaf approach to the economy.
“Is this a case of Sinn Féin policy taking precedence above all else, and could such policies be acting as a deliberate wrecking ball to Northern Ireland’s economy?
“The Minister must now explain why he failed to intervene at an earlier stage to recognise the devastating impact these punishing rate increases would have on core hospitality providers, including hotels, pubs, and food outlets.
“We also need clarity on whether the Minister received a briefing from Land & Property Services in advance of their findings on the Reval 2026 exercise.
“If so, why did he not foresee how damaging this would be to the cornerstone of hospitality in Northern Ireland?
“I hold this Minister wholly responsible for the widespread alarm he has caused across the industry.
