- At Autumn Budget 2025, the government announced the business rates multipliers that will be applicable for the April 2026 rating list following the recent revaluation.
- From 1 April 2026, permanently lower business rates multipliers will apply to retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties with rateable values below £500,000. While multipliers are lower, the effect of the 2026 revaluation and the removal of the RHL discount will still leave many facing increased bills.
- Properties with rateable value of £500,000 will face a new multiplier set 2.8p above the national standard multiplier. When combined with the effect of the 2026 revaluation, most of these properties will face higher overall bills.
- To support ratepayers facing large bill increases at the revaluation, the government is introducing a re-designed Transitional Relief scheme - a package of support worth over £4.3 billion to be provided over the next three years.
- A separate package of support will also be available for pubs and live music venues.
- Timing: the new business rates multipliers and rateable values are applicable from 1 April 2026.
Resources (click to open)
- Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief (HMT, January 2026)
- Budget 2025: Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Factsheet (HM Treasury, November 2025)
- Effects of the business rates retail, hospitality and leisure multipliers and high-value multiplier (HM Treasury, November 2025)
- Business Rates and Investment: Call for Evidence (HM Treasury, November 2025)
