Business Rates
The Non-Domestic Rate, or business rates, collected by local councils are the means by which businesses and others who occupy non-domestic property make a contribution towards the cost of local services.
Except in the City of London where special arrangements apply, the rates are pooled by central government and redistributed to local councils according to the number of people living in the area. This money, together with revenue from council taxpayers, revenue support grant provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by your local council and other local authorities in your area.
More information on Business Rates in Worcester can be found in our Business Rates guidance.
General information about Business Rates in the United Kingdom is available here.
Business Rates revaluation 2026
New rateable values will come into effect on 1 April 2026, but there are actions you can take now to prepare.
Find out more about the 2026 Business Rates revaluation.
What are Business Rates?
Business rates is a local tax that is paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic /business property, in the same way that council tax is a tax on domestic property.
Business rates are charged on most business properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories. However, the property doesn't have to be used for a business - if it is used for purposes which are not domestic it is likely to be rateable. We will send you a business rates bill each year.
Roles and responsibilities?
The Valuation Office Agency sets the rateable value of business premises by using property details such as rental information.
We use the rateable value and the business rates multiplier (set by central government) to calculate your business rates bill.
What is the Rateable Value?
The rateable value is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency, which is an agency of HM Revenue and Customs.
A property's rateable value is an assessment of the annual rent the property would rent for if it were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date.
- Until 31 March 2022, the rateable value will be based on a valuation date of 1 April 2015
- From 1 April 2023, the rateable values will be based on a valuation date of 1 April 2021
- From 1 April 2026 the rateable value will be based on a valuation date of 1 April 2024
If you think your rateable value is incorrect, you can find and view your property details here:
www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates
What is a revaluation?
The VOA regularly re assess and update the rateable values of all business properties usually every five years. This is called a Revaluation. This is done to maintain fairness in the system by redistributing the total amount payable in business rates, reflecting changes in the property market. Revaluation does not raise extra revenue overall.
How can I find out more?
For more information on the 2026 Revaluation, rateable values, and business rates go to www.gov.uk/voa/revaluation .
You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief the local council may apply.
You can also find information for businesses at the following places:
- The Worcestershire County Council business information pages .
- The gov.uk website.
- Information about Trade Waste.
or contact us to discuss any enquiries you may have.
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