Business Rates Revaluation 2026
All non-domestic properties are generally revalued every three years by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The last local Rating List was introduced on 1 April 2023, the current one takes effect from 1 April 2026.
A revaluation makes sure Rateable Values reflect changes in the property market. This revaluation will reflect the changes in value that have occurred since the last revaluation.
Revaluations maintain fairness in the system. They help to redistribute the total amount payable in Business Rates. They are not carried out to generate extra revenue.
Every Rateable Value can be located at: www.gov.uk/find-business-rates. The majority of assessments also show a Summary Valuation, detailing how the Rateable Value is calculated.
More information about Business Rates can be found at: www.gov.uk/introduction-to-business-rates.
What is the Rateable Value?
The Rateable Value of a property is determined by the Valuation Office Agency, a part of HM Revenue and Customs. It represents the estimated annual rent that the property would command if it were to be rented out on the open market at a specific valuation date:
- for the 2023 Rating List, the Rateable Value is based on the valuation date of 1 April 2021
- for the 2026 Rating List, the Rateable Value is based on the valuation date of 1 April 2024
How do I appeal against my Rateable Value?
You can only make a formal appeal against your 2026 Rateable Value from 1 April 2026. You can find out more about the appeals process at: www.gov.uk/guidance/help-with-the-2026-business-rates-revaluation#if-you-think-your-valuation-is-wrong.
Your Rateable Value may change if any physical changes are made to your property, for example, building or demolishing an extension. The Council has a duty to notify the Valuation Office Agency of any newly built, extended, demolished or otherwise altered non-domestic properties that come to our attention. You should notify the Business Rates team of any changes as soon as they happen.
You may appeal against the Rateable Value of your property if you think it is incorrect. This might be due to a material change in the property's circumstances, for example:
- a change in its physical state or use
- a physical change in the locality
- a change in the use of a neighbouring property
An appeal to the Valuation Office Agency against a Rateable Value begins with a proposal to alter the Rating List. Before making an appeal, you can contact the Valuation Office Agency to discuss your Rateable Value and why you want to appeal against it. They may be able to resolve things without you needing to follow the formal procedure.
You should continue making payments on your current bill even if you have an ongoing appeal against your rateable value. Magistrates' Courts do not accept the appeal as a valid reason to withhold payment. If your appeal is successful, any overpaid Rates will be refunded, and you will receive a revised bill accordingly.