What are business rates?

Business rates explained as well as data, transitional arrangements and FAQs

Business rates (non-domestic rates) are a tax on business properties. The tax is set by the government and business rates collected by local authorities contribute towards the cost of local services. Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, councils keep a proportion of the rates paid locally.

Business rates are charged on most business properties, such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories. However, the property doesn’t have to be used for a business – if it is used for purposes which are not domestic it is likely to be rateable. We will send you a business rates bill each year.

Who is liable for business rates?

Normally, the occupier of the property is responsible for paying the business rates. However, in certain circumstances, liability may fall on the owner, leaseholder, sub-lessee, tenant or sub-tenant. It does not matter whether the occupation of the premises is subject to a proper legal agreement or not.

You can check the ‘rateable value’ of your property on the gov.uk website, this is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and used by us to calculate your business rates bill.

Via the link above, you can also:

  • request changes to property or valuation details if you think they’re wrong
  • view the valuation details of other properties
  • challenge the rateable value if eligible

Visit gov.uk for the latest national guidance

Frequently asked questions

Business rates are based on the rateable value of your business - calculate your business rates

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets the rateable value of business premises by using property details such as rental information. We use the rateable value and the business rates multiplier (set by Central Government) to calculate your business rates bill.

The rateable value is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is an agency of HM Revenue and Customs.  A property’s rateable value is an assessment of the annual rent the property would rent for if it were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date.

  • From 1 April 2026, the rateable values will be based on the valuation date of 1 April 2024.
  • If you think your rateable value is incorrect, you can find and view your property details on gov.uk.

The VOA regularly reassess and update the rateable values of all business properties, usually every three years - this is called a Revaluation. This is done to maintain fairness in the system by redistributing the total amount payable in business rates, reflecting changes in the property market. Revaluation does not raise extra revenue overall.

You can find more information on the 2026 revaluation, rateable values, and how your business rates are calculated on Gov.uk. You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief the local council may apply.

The VOA look at many rents in an area before deciding on the right rateable value for each property. Rents can vary between properties in an area, even if the properties are similar and the rents are agreed at the same time. This is because landlords and tenants often have different views on the rental value of a property and sometimes there are special lease terms that can affect the rent paid.

The VOA does not publish this information online, as that would breach the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

Please call 03000 501 501 to request the details from the VOA.

The VOA doesn't remove properties from the Rating List just because the business has closed. It is more than likely that if the property still exists it may still be rateable. 

Please also contact us to advise us the details.

Please find more information on gov.uk to help you consider whether to make a proposal – depending on state of disrepair.

Please visit Gov.uk to look up your property by postcode and send in suggested amendments to the measurements.

Once the new rateable values come into effect on 1 April 2026, you will be able to make a formal challenge. Information can be found on Gov.uk about the appeals process including the reforms the Government has proposed.

You don’t usually have to pay business rates for home-based businesses if you:

  • use a small part of your home for your business, e.g. you use a bedroom as an office
  • sell goods by post.

More information on rates for businesses run from home

Business rates are based on the rateable value of your business - calculate your business rates

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly updates the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties - properties that are not just private homes - in England and Wales. This is called a revaluation.

Rateable values are the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 valuation that's 1 April 2024. We use these rateable values to calculate business rates bills.

Revaluations are done to reflect changes in the property market, which means that business rates bills are based on more up-to-date information. The next revaluation comes into effect on 1 April 2029.

Tell the Valuation Office Agency

Although the Council are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill, the VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. You will need to contact them for all queries about your rateable value:

  • Find the future rateable value for your property and get an estimate of your 2026/27 business rates bill.
  • Changes to property details such as floor area sizes and parking - you need a business rates valuation account. The VOA may accept your changes and update the current and future valuations. Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account.
  • If you think your rateable value is too high, from 1 April 2026 you need to use a business rates valuation account to tell the VOA. You must continue to pay your business rates as normal until they have made a decision. Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account ready for 1 April 2026.

The VOA doesn't remove properties from the Rating List just because the business has closed. It is more than likely that if the property still exists it may still be rateable. Please also contact us to advise us the details.

From April 2023, new eligibility rules for business rates apply to self-catering properties, find out more.

You don’t usually have to pay business rates for home-based businesses if you:

  • use a small part of your home for your business, e.g. you use a bedroom as an office
  • sell goods by post.

More information on rates for businesses run from home