TL;DR
A grassroots website has launched an index that ranks UK pubs at risk from business rate changes using VOA rateable value data and basic geospatial analysis. The site reports 46K+ pubs analysed, with 79% facing increases and 11% classed as 'fucked or worse'; the government has signalled a possible U-turn on rates but no policy change is confirmed.
What happened
A public-facing site has published a searchable index aimed at identifying pubs most exposed to an upcoming business rates revaluation. The Fucked Pub Index combines location data (via Google Maps) with valuation figures from the Valuation Office Agency to estimate how individual pubs might be affected; the project’s creators characterise the effort as modest, noting the work began with a single person and a spreadsheet. The site says it analysed more than 46,000 pubs and verified 45,199 entries from VOA SCAT 249 data. Its headline figures assert that 79% of those pubs are likely to face rate increases and that 11% are in the highest-risk categories. The platform offers a postcode search and map view so users can find nearby establishments. The government has indicated it may reconsider rates, but no concrete policy change has been announced; the site says it will update when details emerge.
Why it matters
- Business rates and revaluation outcomes can materially affect the operating costs of local pubs and other small hospitality venues.
- Large shares of pubs being flagged for increases suggests potential financial pressure across communities that rely on these venues.
- A publicly accessible, postcode-searchable tool can help consumers and local campaigners identify at-risk establishments to target support.
- Any government adjustment to rates could alter the financial outlook for affected pubs, but the timing and scope remain unclear.
Key facts
- The site’s Fucked Pub Index claims to have analysed 46,000+ pubs.
- VOA rateable value data for 45,199 verified pubs (SCAT 249) underpins the index.
- Reportedly, 79% of analysed pubs face business rate increases after revaluation.
- The index categorises 11% of pubs as 'fucked or worse'—its highest risk designation.
- The tool combines geospatial location data (Google Maps) with fiscal impact modelling described as basic maths.
- Users can enter a postcode to find local pubs and view results on a map.
- The site’s creators say some industry experts believe the actual number of affected pubs could be higher.
- The revaluation year cited by the project is 2026.
- The government has signalled a potential U-turn on pub rates, but details and confirmation are still pending.
What to watch next
- Whether and when the government confirms any change to business rates policy for pubs — not confirmed in the source.
- Official guidance or detailed announcements from the Valuation Office Agency clarifying revaluation impacts — not confirmed in the source.
- Updates to the Fucked Pub Index dataset or methodology from the site maintainers, including expanded coverage — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Business rates: A tax on non-domestic properties in the UK, charged to businesses based on a property's rateable value.
- Rateable value: An assessment used to set business rates, representing an estimate of a property's open-market rental value at a given valuation date.
- Valuation Office Agency (VOA): The UK government body responsible for compiling rateable values and administering property valuations for tax purposes.
- Geospatial analysis: Techniques that use geographic data, such as mapping services, to analyse locations and spatial relationships.
- Revaluation: A periodic review that updates the rateable values of properties, which can change the business rates owed.
Reader FAQ
What is the Fucked Pub Index?
A public tool that combines location data and VOA rateable values to estimate which pubs are most exposed to business rates changes.
What data does the index use?
The site says it uses VOA rateable value data for 45,199 verified pubs (SCAT 249) and geospatial location information; it reports analysing 46K+ pubs in total.
Has the government changed pub business rates?
The source says the government has signalled a potential U-turn, but no policy change or details have been confirmed.
How can I find a pub on the site?
Users can enter a postcode to search and view results on a map, according to the site.
Are widespread pub closures confirmed?
Not confirmed in the source.
UPDATE (8 Jan): Good news — the government's signalled a potential u-turn on pub rates. But nothing's confirmed yet, and pubs still face rising costs across the board. They need…
Sources
- Find a pub that needs you
- UK ministers to U-turn on pub business rates rise within days
- Politics latest: U-turn over business rates hike for pubs …
- UK politics: Reform UK mayoral candidate apologises…
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