Retail Business Rates Changed in 2026 – So Why Has Your Bill Gone Up?
The business rates system for retail properties changed significantly with the new rating period in April 2026. The Government introduced permanently lower multipliers for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties, replacing the previous annual RHL Relief scheme.
On the face of it, that sounds like good news for retailers. However, the change coincided with the 2026 revaluation, which introduced new rateable values (RVs). As a result, some retailers may now have a lower multiplier applied to a higher RV, while others may no longer receive the same level of support available under the previous relief scheme.
Put simply, a lower retail multiplier doesn't necessarily mean a lower business rates bill.
What changed in April 2026?
Until 31 March 2026, eligible businesses could receive RHL Relief as a percentage discount against their business rates liability. That temporary scheme has now been replaced by permanently lower multipliers for qualifying RHL properties with RVs below £500,000.
For 2026/27, these are:
38.2p for qualifying properties with an RV below £51,000
43p for qualifying properties with an RV between £51,000 and £499,999
Properties with an RV of £500,000 or more do not qualify for the lower RHL multipliers and are instead subject to the new 50.8p high-value multiplier.
This creates an important divide within the retail sector, particularly for large stores, supermarkets, department stores and flagship locations.
Why could your bill still have increased?
At the same time as the multiplier changed, the 2026 Rating List introduced new RVs based on property values at the valuation date of 1 April 2024.
If your property's RV has increased sufficiently, the benefit of a lower multiplier may therefore be offset by the higher valuation.
Thresholds matter too. A property moving above £51,000 RV moves onto the higher RHL multiplier, while one reaching £500,000 falls outside the lower RHL multipliers altogether.
For businesses with multiple locations, the impact may also vary significantly from property to property depending on how individual RVs have changed.
Is your new rateable value accurate?
The new RV is therefore an important part of understanding your 2026 bill.
For retail properties, factors including location, floor area, layout and comparable rental evidence can influence the valuation. Incorrect property information or valuation assumptions could consequently affect the amount of business rates payable.
Businesses shouldn't assume an assessment is correct simply because it appears on the Rating List.
If your bill has changed significantly, it is worth understanding why: has your RV increased, has your multiplier changed, have you lost previous relief, or is it a combination of all three
Transitional and Supporting Small Business support may also be available in certain circumstances.
Has your retail business rates bill changed in 2026?
The changes introduced this year make it particularly important to understand what's behind your new bill.
A lower retail multiplier doesn't necessarily mean your assessment is right, and a higher bill doesn't necessarily mean there is nothing you can do about it.
If your rateable value has increased, you've lost relief you previously received, or you're unsure how the 2026 changes have affected your property, CPA can review your position and establish whether your retail property is being assessed fairly.
Let’s Get Started
We just need a few details about your property. If you’re able to upload your latest business rates bill, this will give us a clear view of your current assessment and allows us to begin straight away.
This initial review is simply to identify whether savings can be made and there is zero obligation.
We carry out a full risk assessment before taking any action, ensuring your position is protected, and our no-saving, no-fee service means we don’t charge any fees unless a saving is secured.
