Business rates information

Scam email messages

We have been alerted that scam emails are currently in circulation that claim to be from the Valuation Office Agency that make incorrect statements about reductions in a property’s ‘rateable value’.

You are strongly advised not to respond or click on any links that are included in this type of email and are advised to contact the Valuation Office Agency.

Business rates - non-domestic rates

Central government sets the amount of rates you must pay each year.

From 1 April 2013, along with all other local authorities, we receive less government grant but keep about half of the business rates we collect locally, which provides a financial incentive to improve the local economy. The remainder continues to go to central government for re-allocation to local authorities through various grants.

We work out your business rates bill by multiplying the rateable value of your property by the business rates ‘multiplier’.

You can get help to estimate your business rates on GOV.UK.

Rateable value

All non-domestic properties are given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). There is a revaluation of all business rates. This is usually every 5 years to reflect changes in the property market. Find out more about the 2023 revaluation.

The rateable value of the property is based on the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date. From 1 April 2023, the rateable values are based on the valuation date of 1 April 2021.

The ratepayer and certain others who have an interest in the property can appeal against the value shown in the list if they believe it is wrong. For more information, see the Appeals and disputes page.

The business rates multiplier

Each year the government sets a multiplier. It represents the number of pence in each pound by which the rateable value is multiplied to arrive at the amount of business rates payable for the year.

The government reviews the multiplier each year to reflect changes in inflation.

The small business rates multiplier is used for most occupied properties from the 1 April 2023 with a rateable value below £51,000. For all other properties the standard multiplier is used.