ENGLAND

• 2025/26 Small Multiplier frozen at 0.499p

• 2025/26 Standard Multiplier increased by CPI 1.7% to 0.555p

• Retail Relief for eligible Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Properties to be reduced from 75% to 40% with effect from 1st April 2024 (capped at £110,000 per group of companies for the 2025/26 Rate Year).

• 80% Charitable Relief to be removed from qualifying Independent Fee-Paying Schools (this is in line with the removal of the relevant VAT exemption).

• Confirmation that Duty to Notify will be rolled out on a phased basis in April 2026, being full mandated by April 2029

• With effect from April 2026, the Government have promised to permanently reduce the multiplier on Retail, Hospitality and Leisure businesses, funded by a higher multiplier on the high value assets with a Rateable Value of £500,000 and above.

• The publication of a Discussion Paper, setting out other potential areas of business rates reform, including a shorter revaluation cycle and/or a shorter gap between the valuation date and each new rating list. The Discussion Paper also raises the prospect of a further crackdown on business rates avoidance and evasion, following the previous Budget’s tightening of Empty Rate Mitigation.

• Changes to the Completion Notice procedures introduced with effect from 26th December 2023.

• Removal of 6 months restriction on backdating for claiming reliefs or discounts provided under S.47 Discretionary Powers.

• Outcome of Consultation into Empty/Unoccupied Rates published. In England, Empty Rates Relief will now only apply if the property is occupied for at least 3 months, doubling the current six-week requirement.