Retail Relief Ends April 2026: What This Means for Your Business Rates
Since its introduction, Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief has provided vital support for thousands of UK businesses, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and amid continued economic pressure. But this temporary relief is now entering its final phase.
As of 1 April 2026, Retail Relief will be withdrawn as the new 2026 rating list comes into effect.
While the government is introducing a new rating structure that includes permanently lower multipliers for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties, these changes are not automatic, and eligibility depends on strict criteria. Many businesses currently receiving relief could be caught out by incorrect property classifications, while others may not realise they’re eligible for backdated claims or future discounts.
At Commercial Property Advisors (CPA), we’re already helping clients prepare, making sure they understand what’s changing, and more importantly, what they can still do to reduce their liability.
What’s Changing – and Why It Matters
From 1 April 2026:
The current Retail Relief will no longer apply.
A new system of reduced business rates multipliers will be introduced for properties that qualify as retail, hospitality or leisure (RHL).
This is being positioned as a permanent tax cut for RHL sectors. This is not discretionary relief, and it won’t be automatically applied.
The government’s broader plan involves offsetting this support with increased rates for larger and industrial properties, including logistics hubs and commercial warehouses.
While some businesses may benefit from the new lower multipliers, many others — particularly those who lose relief or are misclassified — could see their costs rise.
And for properties that were eligible for RHL relief in recent years but never received it, there may still be an opportunity to reclaim historic overpayments.
What Should Businesses Do?
The end of Retail Relief may significantly change your business rates liability. However, with the right support, there may still be ways to reduce costs or secure backdated savings.
If you're unsure where you stand, the best first step is to have your position reviewed by a qualified specialist. Reliefs under the new system depend heavily on how your property is used and how it’s recorded with the local authority, something that’s not always clear.
At a minimum, businesses should:
Confirm whether RHL relief has been applied correctly
Understand how their property will be assessed under the 2026 list
Identify any potential for retrospective or future savings
How CPA Can Support You
Each of these steps can be complex and errors or delays could mean missing out. If you want to stay protected after April 2026, it’s essential to have expert support in place. With CPA on your side, you can:
Avoid overpaying on your business rates by ensuring your property is accurately assessed and any errors or misclassifications are corrected.
Maximise available reliefs and discounts, including opportunities for backdated savings you may not have claimed.
Get clarity and control over your position in the 2026 rating list, with proactive advice on what steps to take next.
Free up your time by letting our experts handle communication with local councils and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) on your behalf.
Minimise risk, thanks to our no-saving, no-fee model. If we don’t secure savings, you don’t pay a thing!
With a RICS-regulated team behind you, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your business rates are being handled professionally, accurately, and with your best interests at heart. Whether you're currently receiving Retail Relief, think you may have missed out, or just want clarity on where your business stands heading into 2026, we're here to help.
📞 Let’s Review Your Position
Call: 07890 991 583
Email: enquiries@commercialpropertyadvisors.co.uk
