How are my business rates calculated?

The formula for calculating your bill is set by central government. 

Your premises are given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) (opens new window). We use this to calculate how much you should pay.

You can challenge your rateable value yourself. Some businesses choose to use an agent. The VOA has produced a checklist to help businesses if they want to use a business rates agent (opens new window). We encourage you to visit GOV.UK for more advice on how to choose a reputable agent (opens new window).

We work out the bill by multiplying the rateable value of the property by a figure set annually by central government. This is known as a multiplier. We will apply the transitional phasing scheme when it is required. This means that changes to your rates bills will be phased in gradually.

There are two multipliers for 2025/26

• the standard non-domestic rating multiplier which is 55.5p in the pound
• the small business non-domestic rating multiplier which is 49.9p in the pound

There are two multipliers for 2024/25

• the standard non-domestic rating multiplier which is 54.6p in the pound
• the small business non-domestic rating multiplier which is 49.9p in the pound

 Estimate your business rates (opens new window)

The  business rates explanatory notes (PDF, 131 KB) provide more information about your bill and your liability. A hard copy of the document is available on request.