Supporting Small Business (SSB) Relief 2026

The 2026 Supporting Small Business (SSB) Relief Scheme will cap bill increases for any business losing eligibility for some or all of the following reliefs

• Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR),
• 40% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief
• Rural Rate Relief
• 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief

Eligible ratepayers will have the increase in their bill capped at £800, or by the transitional relief caps, whichever is greater.

Ratepayers who are receiving SSB Relief on 31 March 2026 as a result of the 2023 revaluation will continue to receive relief, if eligible for 2026/27. SSB Relief will end for these ratepayers on 31 March 2027 without further notice.

Ratepayers who during 2025/26 lost entitlement to Small Business Rate Relief (because they failed the second property test) but have, under the rules for Small Business Rate Relief, been given a 12 month period of grace before their relief ended (or 3 years from 27 November 2025) - can continue on the 2026 SSB Relief Scheme for the remainder of their period of grace.

The relief will end:

• when your bill reaches the amount you would have paid without the scheme
• if the property falls vacant
• if the property is occupied by a charity or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)

How to get the relief

You do not need to apply for this relief. If you qualify, we will apply it to your account automatically. If you think you are entitled to the relief but haven’t received it, contact the Business Rates team.

Any relief awarded under this scheme will be adjusted if there is a change in your circumstances, for example if you vacate the premises or there is an amendment to the rateable value of your premises.

Subsidy control

Supporting Small Business Relief Scheme is subject to the Minimal Financial Assistance thresholds under the Subsidy Control Act. This means no recipient can receive over £315,000 over a 3-year period (consisting of the current financial year and the 2 previous financial years). Any other subsidies claimed under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement should be counted under the £315,000 allowance.

Refusal of relief

If we have applied the relief and you do not wish to receive it, you can choose to cancel your relief.

Contact Business Rates

Revenues Service - Cheshire East Council

Contact us

Customer Service Business Rates Team available for telephone enquiries:
Monday - Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm

0300 123 5013

Revenues Service
Cheshire East Council
PO Box 622
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 9JH