Shops, cafés, pubs and other eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England should check how changes to business rates relief could affect their costs from 1 April 2027.

According to the UK Budget announcement of 28 October, the rateable-value threshold for 100% Small Business Rates Relief will rise from £12,000 to £18,000. The upper threshold for tapered relief will rise from £15,000 to £21,000. The government estimates that around 70,000 additional properties will pay no business rates.

Bills for qualifying sector properties are also expected to be capped at CPI inflation in 2027-28 and 2028-29, subject to exceptions. The changes apply to eligible properties in England; they do not mean every high-street business will see the same saving.

What should businesses do now?

If you run a shop, café, pub or venue, check your property's rateable value and whether it qualifies for the relief before updating your 2027 cost forecast. Review the full eligibility rules and your Council Bill rather than assuming an individual saving. The new thresholds start on 1 April 2027, not immediately.

Shropshire Chamber will continue to share practical updates to help local businesses understand changes that could affect them.

Check your rateable value: https://www.gov.uk/business-rates-relief

Find out more about the relief rules: https://www.gov.uk/business-rates-relief