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What business rates are
Business rates (or non-domestic rates) are a tax on business properties, such as shops, offices, factories, pubs and warehouses. Anyone using a building or part of a building for non-domestic purposes has to pay business rates.
Part of the business rates we collect is used to pay for the services we provide. This is added to revenue from Council Tax payers, government grants and other monies.
How business rates are calculated
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets the rateable value of all non-domestic properties in the country. You can find the rateable value of a property on GOV.UK. Rateable values can vary between similar properties for a number of reasons, including due to their size or location. A property's rateable value isn’t the same as the rent you may paying for the property.
The government sets a rate in the pound called the multiplier for the whole of England. The multiplier is effective from 1 April each year. We use this to calculate the rates payable for the year before the deduction of any reliefs.
To calculate your business rates, we multiply the rateable value of your property by the multiplier set by government. We then issue bills and collect business rates on behalf of the government.
Multiplier rate for 2026/27
At the 2024 Autumn Budget, the government announced that from 2026/27, existing business rate relief for retail, hospitality and leisure properties would be replaced by a lower multiplier rate for calculating the business rates payable on those properties. The amounts of the new multipliers were confirmed in the 2025 Autumn Budget.
From April 2026 there are five multipliers, reflecting both business type and property value:
Type of business | Rateable value (RV) | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
Small retail, hospitality and leisure business | £1 to £50,999 | 38.2p |
Standard retail, hospitality and leisure business | £50,999 to £499,999 | 43.0p |
Small business (non-retail, hospitality and leisure) | £1 to £50,999 | 43.2p |
Standard business (non-retail, hospitality and leisure) | £51,000 - £49,000 | 48.0p |
High value business (all properties) | £500,000 and above | 50.8p |
Where possible we use the information we already hold to apply the correct multiplier to business rates accounts for 2026/27, with no need for you to apply. However, if you believe your business may qualify for the retail, hospitality and leisure multiplier but this hasn't been applied, you can apply online.
Multiplier rates for previous years
Financial year | Small business multiplier (rateable value from £1 to £50,999) | Standard multiplier (rateable value of £51,000 and above) |
|---|---|---|
2025/2026 | 49.9p | 55.5p |
2024/2025 | 49.9p | 54.6p |
2023/2024 | 49.9p | 51.2p |
2022/2023 | 49.9p | 51.2p |
2021/2022 | 49.9p | 51.2p |
2020/2021 | 49.9p | 51.2p |
2019/2020 | 49.1p | 50.4p |
Property valuations
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) updates the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties (those that aren't just private homes) in England and Wales every three years. This process reflects changes in the market, and is known as a revaluation. The latest revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2026.
The rateable value is the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 revaluation, that date is 1 April 2024. The government sets the valuation date two years before a revaluation takes effect, to allow time for data collection and analysis. To calculate the rateable value, the VOA analyses changes in rental property market and redistributes the total amount of business rates paid between different properties to reflect those changes. We use rateable values to calculate business rates bills.
At a revaluation, business rates bills may increase, decrease or stay the same. A revaluation doesn't raise extra revenue from ratepayers, and a rise in your rateable value doesn't mean your business rates bill will increase by a similar amount.
Finding your rateable value
You can find the rateable value of a property on GOV.UK. You'll be able to see the details the VOA holds for your property, how its valuation was calculated, and compare its rateable value with similar properties in the area.
What to do if you think your rateable value is wrong
To tell the VOA that you think your rateable value is wrong, you need a business rates valuation account on GOV.UK. You can check the information the VOA has used to calculate your rateable value and let them know if something is incorrect. This guide explains how to check and challenge your business rates valuation.
Any changes made to your current valuation could result in your rateable value going up or down.
You must carry on paying your business rates as normal until a decision has been made. If you're due a refund when your case is resolved, this will be calculated and issued to you.
What to do if your property details need updating
To tell the VOA about changes to your property details (such as floor area sizes and parking) you need a business rates valuation account on GOV.UK.
If the VOA accept your proposed changes they'll update your rateable valuation.
If your rateable value has increased as a result of the 2026 revaluation
If your rateable value has increased due to the 2026 revaluation, you may be entitled to receive transitional relief or supporting small business relief. We'll automatically award these reliefs if you're eligible, and there's no need for you to apply.
Help setting up a business rates valuation account
For help setting up a business rates valuation account, see the GOV.UK guidance on registering for an account.
How to contact the VOA
As your council we're responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill, including applying any reliefs you may be entitled to or managing your instalment plan.
The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. If you have any queries about the valuation of your property you need to contact the VOA.
More information
Appointing a business rates agent
You can manage your business rates yourself, but if you want to appoint an agent see the VOA advice about how to choose a business rates agent.
To authorise an agent to act on your behalf you'll need to appoint them through your business rates valuation account on GOV.UK.
Applying for business rates relief
There are several types of business rates reductions and reliefs you may be eligible for. Some of these are applied automatically and some you need to apply for. You should never have to pay anyone to apply for a relief.