Could your business qualify for Small Business Rates Relief?
For some smaller premises, relief can reduce the bill substantially. Eligibility depends on the property, other premises occupied and the council's assessment.
The basic thresholds in England
For a business using only one eligible property, rateable value of £12,000 or less can mean 100% Small Business Rates Relief. Above £12,000 and below £15,000, relief tapers down as the rateable value rises. At £13,500, the national illustration is 50% relief.
These figures are a starting point, not a guarantee. The local authority decides entitlement, and other types of relief may alter what is appropriate.
What if the business occupies more than one property?
The rules are more complex than a simple yes or no. Some businesses can retain relief when they take an additional property, and the applicable time period can depend on when the second property was taken. The council needs details of the other properties and their rateable values.
Do not assume multiple properties always disqualify a business, or that relief continues automatically.
What should you do if relief does not appear on the bill?
- Check the property address and rateable value on the latest bill.
- Confirm whether Small Business Rates Relief or another relief is already shown.
- Identify all the premises the business occupies.
- Contact the billing council through its official route and ask it to review eligibility. This can be done without paying RatesAngel.
What changed in 2026/27?
The 2026 revaluation and new multipliers can affect bills, and Supporting Small Business Relief may be relevant where a business has lost some or all of its previous Small Business Rates Relief. Your council can confirm whether that protection applies.
Primary official sources
Not sure whether relief is being applied?
Try the free Health Check. We can identify a free council route before any optional assistance is discussed.