What are business rates
You pay Business Rates to contribute towards the cost of local services. Under retention arrangements that were introduced in April 2013, authorities keep a portion of the Business Rates paid in their area. This provides a financial incentive for us to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth, as we benefit from the growth in Business Rates revenue.
The money, along with Council Tax and grants from the government, is used to pay for the services we provide. You can find out more detailed information about business rates by reading our business rates explanation page.
For more information about the business rate system you can visit the GOV.UK website.
How business rates are worked out
Your bill is worked out by multiplying the rateable value by the rating multiplier.
Rateable value
Your property will be given a rateable value, which is worked out by its rental value. The rateable value is set by the Valuation Office Agency.
Rating multiplier
The rating multiplier is the rate charged for every £1 of Rateable Value. The multiplier is set by the central government and, depending on inflation, can change each year. From 01 April 2026, the number of multipliers increased to 5.
Multiplier types
| Multiplier type | 2026/27 | 2025/26 | 2024/25 | 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 48.0 | 55.5 | 54.6 | 51.2 |
| Small business | 43.2 | 49.9 | 49.9 | 49.9 |
| Standard Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure | 43.0 | |||
| Small Retail, Hospitality, and Leisure | 38.2 | |||
| High Value | 50.8 |
Appeal against your rate
You can appeal against your rateable value by visiting the Valuation Office Agency website.
Who pays business rates
The occupier of any business or non-domestic property is usually the person who is liable to pay the business or non-domestic rate charge.
If you are a tenant, it's between you and your landlord to arrange payment. It's not our responsibility as the local authority. If your landlord doesn't pass payments onto us, the tenant will still be liable to pay.
How often business rates are revalued
Rateable Values are usually revalued every three years. The most recent revaluation came into effect in England and Wales on 1 April 2023. It was based on the cost to rent a property for a year on 1 April 2021.
The next revaluation will come into effect in England and Wales on 1 April 2026. It will be based on the cost to rent a property for a year on 1 April 2024. GOV.UK has more information on revaluing.