Lower business rates for shops, cafés, pubs and salons
Since April 2026, shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants and salons pay a permanently lower business rates multiplier. It should already be on your bill.
Roughly worth: 5p in the pound less than other businesses: 38.2p (rateable value under £51,000) or 43.0p (£51,000 to £499,999)
Usually paid automatically
First step: Check the multiplier on your 2026/27 rates bill.
Who it is for
An occupied property with a rateable value under £500,000 that's mainly used for retail, hospitality or leisure and open to the public: shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, takeaways, hair and beauty salons, gyms and guest houses. Offices, banks and online-only warehouses don't count.
How to get it
Nothing to apply for. Your council works it out and shows the multiplier on your 2026/27 bill. If your bill shows 43.2p or 48.0p and you think you qualify, ask your council's business rates team to review it.
Run by Your council, under national rules. Last checked 14 October 2026 against the official source.