Could you reduce
your business rates?Explore specialist business rates advice.

Start by checking the property assessment, reliefs and the bill itself. A lower valuation, an eligible relief or a billing correction may reduce the amount payable. A high bill on its own does not establish grounds for a challenge; the evidence and applicable rules matter.

Rateable value is a valuation used to calculate rates, rather than the bill you pay. In England and Wales, the starting calculation uses the relevant multiplier, then reliefs and other adjustments affect the amount due. A percentage reduction in rateable value need not produce the same percentage reduction in the bill.

Yes. You do not need to own the building to ask for a review. Commercial occupiers often pay the rates, including tenants. Your bill, lease and occupation dates help establish who is responsible, especially if costs are collected through a landlord or service arrangement.

In England, a business using only one property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less normally receives 100% small business rate relief. Relief tapers between £12,001 and £15,000. Additional-property rules and other conditions matter. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different schemes and thresholds; these English figures should not be applied across the UK.

New rateable values took effect in England and Wales on 1 April 2026, using rental values at 1 April 2024. The effect on your bill also depends on the multiplier, reliefs and transitional arrangements. Compare the valuation details and the actual bill before drawing conclusions about any increase.

A valid correction or relief adjustment may create a credit or repayment, depending on its effective date and the rules that apply. There is no universal entitlement to backdated savings. The specialist needs to check the rating period, evidence and any relevant deadline.

Previous-list challenges are restricted. For example, the 2023 list in England and Wales closed to routine new checks at the 2026 revaluation, with limited routes remaining in particular circumstances. Do not assume an older assessment can still be challenged; ask for the relevant dates and grounds to be checked promptly.

Yes. A valuation challenge can lead to an increase, a decrease or no change. A specialist should explain the evidence, possible outcomes and fees before you decide whether to proceed. The initial enquiry here does not submit a challenge or appoint an agent.

You can use the official valuation services and contact the relevant billing authority yourself. A specialist may be useful where the valuation evidence or circumstances are more complex. Our role is to help identify whether an introduction could be worthwhile; the specialist explains any paid work separately.

Tell us at the start so we can understand the existing review and appointment. Check your agreement before asking another firm to act. A second enquiry should not create duplicate representation or repeat work that is already under way.

The Business Review Co. reviews your initial enquiry and explores whether an independent specialist introduction could help. It is free and without obligation. Detailed surveys, applications or challenges may involve specialist fees, which should be explained before you agree. We may receive a referral fee.