Business rates

Each commercial property, unless it is specifically exempt from rating, will be given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency. The rateable value broadly represents the open market annual rental value at a certain date, the valuation date.

The rateable value is multiplied by the rate in the pound, known as the multiplier, a figure set by Central Government each year.  From 1st April 2026 there are five multipliers:

• Standard non-domestic rating multiplier, which is 48.0p in the pound for 2026-27 and used to calculate bills for properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or more
• Small business non-domestic rating multiplier, which is 43.2p in the pound for 2026-27 for properties with a rateable value of, up to £50,999
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business standard multiplier which is 43.0p in the pound for 2026-27 for properties with a rateable value of £51,000 or more
• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure small business multiplier which is 38.2p in the pound for 2026-27 for properties with a rateable value of, up to £50,999
• Higher multiplier of 50.8p in the pound for properties with a rateable value of £500,000 or higher

The final bill may be subject to the government's transition scheme. This works by comparing the amount of business rates that were paid in the previous year with the amount due to be paid in the current year and limits the percentage of increases and decreases. If you are subject to the transitional arrangements, details will be shown on your bill - you do not have to apply.

To fund the transitional relief scheme any premises which are not in transition will be subject to an additional charge of 1p in the pound, known as a Transitional Relief Supplement (TRS) on your bill.

If you think your rateable value is wrong, you can apply to the Valuation Office Agency to reduce it. To do this, you will need to make a proposal to alter the rating list.