22 January 2026
SDLP Leader of the Opposition and Finance Committee chairman Matthew O'Toole MLA has expressed concern at the impact of the non-domestic rates revaluation on the local pub and hospitality sector.
He was speaking as the Department of Finance published a rates revaluation which sharply pushed up valuations for pubs, expected to lead to an increased rates burden.
South Belfast MLA Matthew O'Toole said:
"There is real and understandable concern in the pub scene about the burden of added rates pressure at a time when cost of living pressures are impacting on customers' disposable income. Pubs appear to be shouldering a significant burden in this revaluation.
"Given the vital importance of pubs and hospitality for both our tourism offer and our local communities, LPS and the Department must work with the trade to ensure unnecessary damage is not done to a critical sector."