Business Rates multiplier

We work out the amount of Business Rates payable by multiplying the rateable value (RV) of each property by one of two Business Rates multiplier figures (also called the Non-Domestic Rating Multipliers or 'poundage'). The multipliers are set each year by central government for the whole of England.

The two different multiplier figures are the small business multiplier and the standard multiplier.

The small business multiplier

From 1 April 2024 the small business multiplier is for all properties where the rateable value is less than £51,000.

The standard multiplier

From 1 April 2024 the standard multiplier is for all properties where the rateable value is £51,000 or over. 

2025-26 Business Rates multipliers

The Chancellor announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 that the government would freeze the small business multiplier at 49.9p with the standard multiplier increasing to 55.5p.

2024-25 Business Rates multipliers

1 April - 31 March	Standard	Small Business
2025 - 2026	55.5p	49.9p

Future Business Rates multipliers

The multipliers normally change every year in line with inflation. By law, they can't go up by more than the rate of inflation, except in the year of a revaluation.

Changes to Business Rates multipliers from 2026

From April 2026, the Government will introduce five new business rates multipliers. These will reflect both business type and property value.

The five new multipliers will apply as follows:

1. Small business Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) multiplier: RHL businesses with RV below £51,000
2. Small business non-RHL multiplier: Non-RHL businesses with RV below £51,000
3. Standard RHL multiplier: RHL businesses with RV between £51,000 and £499,999
4. Standard non-RHL multiplier: Non-RHL businesses with RV between £51,000 and £499,999
5. Large property multiplier: For all properties with RV of £500,000 and above

The Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill limits how much the new multipliers can differ from current rates:

• the large property multiplier can’t exceed the standard multiplier by more than 10p
• the RHL multipliers can’t be more than 20p lower than the small business multiplier

The Autumn Budget 2025 will confirm the exact rates for each multiplier.

The government will define eligibility for RHL properties through secondary legislation, expected to align with current RHL relief rules.

These changes will take effect alongside the 2026 revaluation of non-domestic properties.

We are reviewing our property database to determine which multiplier applies to each business. We may contact some ratepayers to request more information where needed.

Previous years' Business Rates multipliers

Prior to 1 April 2024 the standard multiplier was used for all empty properties and where the ratepayer was in receipt of mandatory rate relief

Multipliers and revaluation

When there is a revaluation, the multiplier is set at a level which keeps the total amount raised in rates the same as before, plus inflation for that year. Following revaluation, businesses facing a large increase or decrease come under transitional arrangements.

Translate this page with Google translate 

Contact Business Rates