How your Bill is Calculated
Your annual Business Rates bill is calculated by multiplying the rateable value (RV) assessed by the Valuation Office Agency, by a multiplier, or 'rate in the pound', which is set by the Government each year. The government have set five multipliers for 2026/27, 2 of which are specifically for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties (RHL). For rateable values below £51,000, one of the small business multipliers will be applicable, for properties rated at £51,000 to £499,999 one of the standard multipliers will be applicable and for properties rated at £500,000 or above the large multiplier will apply.
The Small Business (non-RHL) Multiplier is 43.2p and the Small Business (RHL) Multiplier is 38.2p. The Standard (non-RHL) Multiplier is 48p and the Standard (RHL) Multiplier is 43p. The Large Multiplier is 50.8p. In 2026/27 there is also a 1p supplement calculated separately added to your bill.
As an example, if your rateable value is £16,000 and you don’t qualify for RHL your bill for the year would be (£16,000 X 0.432) + (£16,000 X 0.01) = £7,072.00.
If you are only liable during part of a financial year, the amount you are required to pay will be adjusted accordingly as your bill is calculated daily.
If you wish to check your property’s rateable value you can do so via the Valuation Office Agency website www.voa.gov.uk
Details of the multipliers set in previous years can be found at www.gov.uk/calculate-your-business-rates
Please note that the amount you pay may be revised beyond this initial basic calculation. For example your bill could be reduced if you have been awarded any relief, exemption or there may be some transitional relief or surcharge applied.