Policy and Consultations:
2026 Consultations
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The IRRV responds to consultations that are relevant to the membership and profession across all the Institute’s faculties. Most consultations of interest are issued by the UK national governments on legislative matters, but responses can be made to papers emanating from the private and non-profit sectors and from international bodies.
This work is undertaken under the guidance of the Law and Research Portfolio Holder. Drafting is developed with the input of the Institute’s Faculty Board members. Issues being consulted upon can often span the interests of two or more Boards; it is a strength of the Institute’s responses that they reflect that wider professional viewpoint.
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Classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes [Wales]
The Cabinet Minister for Finance, Elin Jones MS, has launched a consultation on the Welsh Government’s proposals on the classification of self-catering properties.
They are consulting on:
- reviewing the criteria used to classify self-catering properties for local tax
- proposals for exemptions
The consultation can be found here: Classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes | GOV.WALES
The consultation closes on 23 October 2026.
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RICS Consultation Draft: Code of Measuring Practice 7th edition [UK]
RICS have identified a need to undertake technical updates to the Code to keep members up to date and informed of changes in market practices in measurement, specifically:
- to consider whether there should be specific comment on vertical measurement
- to ensure the guidance appropriately reflects the evolution in buildings since the previous edition.
Summary of the key changes
This updated edition now includes:
- the VOA valuation tax measurement process
- new content on the measurement of vertical height of buildings
- to ensure the guidance appropriately reflects the evolution in buildings since the previous edition.
The consultation can be found here: RICS Consultation Draft: Code of Measuring Practice 7th edition - RICS iConsult
The consultation closes on 13 October 2026.
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Business Rates: Review of Valuation Methodology for Public Houses and Hotels Call For Evidence [England and Wales]
The government is launching an independent review of the valuation methodology used to assess pubs and hotels for business rates purposes. The review, led by Jerry Schurder, will examine whether the current valuation approaches remain appropriate and identify any opportunities for improvement.
Alongside the launch of the review, the government is inviting views and evidence from businesses, representative bodies, valuation professionals and other interested stakeholders through a Call for Evidence. Responses will help inform the review’s findings and recommendations.
The review forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the business rates system remains fair, transparent and responsive to the needs of ratepayers.
The government will publish a Summary of Responses in due course.
The consultation can be found here: Valuation Methodology Review for Pubs and Hotels - GOV.UK
The consultation closes on 16 October 2026.
The IRRV submitted a statement on 25 August 2026 in response to the announcement of an independent review of the valuation methodology for public houses and hotels for non-domestic rates. The statement can be found here: Pubs_Hotels_Methodology_Review_2026_IRRV_Statement.pdf