LPS RATES REVALUATION COULD SPELL THE END FOR SMALL FOOD BUSINESSES AND STRIP THE HEART FROM LOCAL COMMUNITIES, WARNS NI FOOD TO GO ASSOCIATION

Michael Henderson (NIFTGA Chief Executive), Kiera Campbell (Chairperson)

The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association has warned that the LPS Reval 2026 rates revaluation risks forcing the closure of dozens of small food businesses, including cafés, takeaways, food trucks and local producers that are central to communities across Northern Ireland.

While the revaluation covers more than 75,000 non-domestic properties, the Association says small food-to-go operators will feel the impact first and hardest, despite operating on tight margins and limited reserves.

Michael Henderson, spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said the sector is facing a tipping point.

Michael said, “This is about small, independent food businesses. These are family-run cafés, takeaways and food trucks that employ local people who provide an essential service to our local communities every day.”

Draft figures show overall Net Annual Values have increased by around 15%, with sharp rises across hospitality-linked properties.

Michael added, “For many food-to-go businesses, even a relatively small increase in rates could be enough to push them over the edge and this could result in closures which could be avoided. The Association warns that more than 100 small food businesses and local producers could close if rates bills rise sharply, placing thousands of local jobs at risk and accelerating the loss of independent traders from high streets.

Michael said, “When small food businesses disappear, they are rarely replaced. Empty units follow, jobs are lost and communities lose familiar places that people depend on every day.”

While LPS has said many properties may see limited change, the Association says headline averages do not reflect the lived experience of small food operators.

Michael added, “These businesses keep town centres alive and support local employment. Improved rental evidence does not mean improved viability, costs remain high, footfall is fragile and many small food businesses are hanging on by a thread.”

The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Finance, John O’Dowd, to discuss the potential impact of Reval 2026 and to ensure the concerns of small, community-based food businesses are fully understood at

ministerial level.

Michael added, “These businesses are not just balance sheets or valuation figures. They are the heartbeat and backbone of local communities, providing jobs, skills and everyday

services people rely on. We need to make sure their voices are heard before it’s too late.”

Kiera Campbell, Chair of the Northern Ireland Food To Go Association, said, “The Northern Ireland Food To Go Association exists to support and represent the thousands of small hospitality businesses and local producers that don’t always have a seat at the table. We stand for fair treatment, sustainable local business and a thriving hospitality sector. Our members want to keep trading, employing and serving their communities, and it’s our role to

make sure their voices are heard as rates decisions are taken.”

“We are calling for meaningful engagement to ensure rates policy reflects the realities faced by cafés, takeaways, mobile operators and local producers across Northern Ireland. We

want to ensure rates reform is fair, proportionate and does not undermine local economies.”

Find a draft non-domestic property valuation using this link: https://valuationservices.finance-ni.gov.uk/DraftSchedule/Search