What are business rates?
Business rates are a tax on non-domestic properties, such as shops, offices, pubs and factories. The amount a business pays is based on the rateable value of the property.
In Liverpool, we retain 99% of the business rates we collect. This money goes back into our budget, along with Council Tax and other fees. It helps fund the services we provide as a council.
1% of the business rates we collect helps to fund Merseyside Fire and Rescue.
How does it work?
Business rates are calculated by multiplying a property's rateable value by a multiplier, set by government.
The rateable value is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It is an estimate of the yearly rent a property could fetch on the open market at a specific valuation date. For 2026/27, this will be 1st April 2024.
The multiplier, set by government, is usually updated each year so that the amount of business rates payable increases inline with inflation.
How much are business rates in 2026-27?
The Valuation Office Agency has updated rateable values for over two million commercial properties nationwide. These values take effect on 1st April 2026.
Check your new rateable value on GOV.UK
Revaluations ensure that business rates remain fair and based on up-to-date market conditions. A rise or fall in your rateable value does not automatically result in an equivalent rise or fall in your bill. Your actual bill depends on the multiplier and any reliefs you may qualify for.
If you think your current valuation is wrong, you can request changes through your business rates valuation account.
New business rates multipliers
This year, the government is replacing the two-multiplier system with five multipliers. These support smaller properties and permanently replace the annual Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief Scheme.
| Type | Rateable value | Multiplier |
| Small business RHL multiplier | Below £51,000 | 38.2p |
| Small business multiplier | Below £51,000 | 43.2p |
| Standard RHL multiplier | £51,000 to £499,999 | 43.0p |
| Standard multiplier | £51,000 to £499,999 | 48.0p |
| High value multiplier | £500,000 plus | 50.8p |
Retail, hospitality and leisure changes
The previous 40% RHL relief will end from 1 April 2026. In its place, qualifying RHL properties will benefit from the new, permanently lower RHL multipliers shown above.
To qualify, properties must be:
- occupied
- mainly used for retail, hospitality or leisure
- open to the public
- have a rateable value below £500,000
Transitional relief 2026 -2029
To help manage changes arising from the 2026 revaluation, the government is introducing a three‑year Transitional Relief Scheme. This limits how much your bill can increase each year.
| Rateable value band | 2026/27 cap | 2027/28 cap | 2028/29 cap |
| Up to £28,000 | 5% | 10% plus inflation | 25% plus inflation |
| £28,001 to £100,000 | 15% | 25% plus inflation | 40% plus inflation |
| Over £100,000 | 30% | 25% plus inflation | 25% plus inflation |
Supporting small business relief (SSBR)
Any ratepayers that are losing small business rate relief, 40% RHL relief or 2023 SSBR, may be protected under the 2026 SSBR scheme. Increases will be capped at £800 or the relevant transitional cap (whichever is higher).
Ways to pay
You can pay your business rates in several ways, including Direct Debit, online, or by phone. See the different ways to pay your business rates.
Go paperless
You can sign up for e-billing so you get your bill by email instead of through the post. Sign into your online account to set your preference to paperless billing.
Appeals
If you disagree with your property's valuation, contact the VOA and submit supporting evidence. If unresolved, escalate to the Valuation Tribunal.
You must continue paying your bill during the appeal.