American hotel group; operates and franchises 9,000+ locations across brands
Independent review led by Jerry Schurder will probe how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with March 2027 target for findings. The government has cut pub rates by 20% from April next year and is weighing broader reforms to the system.
Protesters in Portsmouth have been dispersed after realising the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team was staying at the Marriott hotel, not a group of migrants. The ECB is reviewing security for the rest of the tour, and police report no offences were found.
A campaign calls for reducing hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%, urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to back the plan. Signatories include chefs Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge and chains like Wagamama and Pizza Express. The letter argues a lower rate will prevent closures, protect jobs and boost high streets.