From 1 April 2026, the government is introducing major changes to rateable values (RV), business rates multipliers and several relief schemes. These changes will affect how all business rates bills for the financial year 2026 to 2027 are calculated.
How business rates are worked out
Your business rates bill is based on three things:
- your rateable value (RV) - set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and reviewed every 3 years
- the multiplier - the amount charged for each pound of your RV, set by government each year
- any reliefs you qualify for - for example small business or retail relief
Find a business rates valuation (GOV.UK) to check your RV or estimate your bill.
Changes to rateable values
From 1 April 2026, a national revaluation takes effect. This means:
- rateable values will be based on estimated rental values on 1 April 2024
- your bill may go up, down, or stay the same
- a higher RV does not always mean a higher bill
Business rates multipliers
New, lower multipliers will apply to retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) businesses with RVs below £500,000. Eligibility is decided in line with government rules.
| Category | Rateable value | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Small business (RHL) | Below £51,000 | 38.2p |
| Small business (non-RHL) | Below £51,000 | 43.2p |
| Standard (RHL) | £51,000 to £499,999 | 43p |
| Standard (non-RHL) | £51,000 to £499,999 | 48p |
| Large (all properties) | £500,000 and above | 50.8p |
Updated and new relief schemes
Transitional Relief
A redesigned Transitional Relief scheme will limit increases to business rates caused by the 1 April 2026 revaluation.
You do not need to apply. If you qualify, it will be added to your bill automatically.
If you do not qualify for Transitional Relief or the Supporting Small Business (SSB) scheme, a temporary 1p supplement will be added for one year from April 2026.
Supporting Small Business (SSB) 2026
If you lose Small Business Rates Relief, Rural Rate Relief or retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) relief, your bill will increase by no more than £800 or the relevant transitional cap (whichever is better). This will be applied automatically to your bill for the financial year 2026 to 2027.
Pub support
From April 2026, pubs are expected to get extra support. This includes a:
- 15% reduction in business rates
- two-year real-terms freeze
- review of how pubs are valued for business rates
This package was announced on 27 January 2026, Government announces support package that backs British pubs (GOV.UK)
Guidance for councils has not yet been issued so March bills will not include this support.
You do not need to contact us. A revised bill will be issued once guidance is published and support can be applied.
Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) – extended grace period
If you take on a second property, the grace period increases from 1 year to 3 years.
Electric Vehicle Charging Point (EVCP) relief
You can get 100% business rates relief for 10 years for installing qualifying EV charging points or EV only forecourts. These are assessed separately by the VOA. More details will be published when available.
Business rates relief (GOV.UK)
Disputing your rateable value
The council issues your bills and apply reliefs. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets rateable values.
If you think your rateable value is wrong, use the VOA service to check and challenge it. You'll need a valuation account.
Business rates valuation account: sign in or set up (GOV.UK)
You can challenge the 2026 valuation from 1 April 2026. The deadline to amend your current valuation is 31 March 2026. After that, only the new valuation can be changed.
A challenge may result in your RV going up or down.
You do not have to use an agent to represent you. If you wish to be represented, make sure they are qualified, insured and regulated (for example Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation). Get independent advice before you sign any contract.