From 1 April 2026, the government is making changes to the business rates system. These changes aim to make bills fairer, simpler and more consistent for businesses.
New business rates multipliers
The government is introducing five different multipliers instead of two. These determine how your business rates bill is calculated.
There will now be separate multipliers for:
- Small businesses
- Larger businesses
- Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties
- High-value properties (rateable value £500,000+)
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) support
From April 2026, RHL properties will no longer receive temporary relief each year. Instead, they will benefit from permanently lower multipliers, reducing bills for qualifying shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels and visitor attractions.
Transitional Relief
Transitional Relief will continue to help protect businesses from large increases after the 2026 revaluation. You do not need to apply. If you qualify, it will be automatically included on your bill.
Transitional Relief Supplement
Some businesses will see a small 1p supplement added to their bill in 2026/27. This helps fund protection for those facing larger increases.
Supporting Small Business Relief
If your business loses Small Business Rate Relief, Rural Rate Relief or the 2025/26 RHL relief, you may receive extra protection to help limit increases. This will be applied automatically if you qualify.
Extended grace period for growing businesses
If you receive Small Business Rate Relief and take on a second property, your relief can now continue for up to 3 years (previously 1 year).
Electric vehicle charging point relief
There is a new 10-year, 100% relief for standalone EV charging points and EV-only forecourts. This aims to support the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure.
What this means for your bill
From April 2026, your bill may look different, with:
- New multipliers
- Updated Transitional Relief
- New or expanded support schemes
- Clearer information about how your bill is calculated