Local businesses in Pembrokeshire are experiencing unprecedented rate hikes, with some increases reaching 400%.

In response, Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, and Shadow Economy Minister, Samuel Kurtz, has launched an official investigation to gather evidence, testimonies and real-world impact statements from affected businesses.

2025’s revaluation of non-domestic properties in Wales — undertaken to reflect current open-market rental values — has resulted in steep jumps in rateable valuations for a significant number of premises. While some increases have been modest, a growing number of businesses say that their rateable values have more than doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled — with risks to jobs, investment and business survival.

Recognising the potential shock to businesses, Mr Kurtz is calling on all businesses in the area who have experienced sharp RV increases to come forward. The investigation will collect:

  • Details of previous rateable values and new valuations
  • Impacts on staff numbers, investment, and long-term viability

The aim is to build a comprehensive evidence base — including case studies — to use in Senedd debates to call for a review of the current policy. He has already spoken to business owners at his recent advice surgery in Pembroke Dock and plans to hold a business roundtable to engage with as many businesses as possible.

Mr Kurtz said: “No business should be punished for a revaluation they had no control over.

“If rateable values have soared — in some cases by 300–400% — I want to hear from those affected. Their stories must be heard. I’ll take this evidence straight to the Senedd and fight for fairer business rates.

“At a time when businesses are already feeling squeezed by rising costs, this new bill threatens not only the survival of our high street retailers, it affects all those businesses operating in leisure and hospitality, industrial workshops and tourism operators.”

“I was speaking to one business owner operating in the hospitality sector on Friday who will now have to find an additional £8,000 a month. The pressure and stress of this latest rate hike is huge for those affected, and I fear that this may be the final straw for many. I want to do all that I can to help fight alongside those businesses.”

Businesses interested in sharing their experience should contact the campaign at: https://www.samuelkurtz.wales/ or by emailing [email protected]