How your Business Rates are worked out - the 2010 revaluation

Your annual Business Rates bill is calculated and collected by the Council.

The Council multiplies the rateable value of an individual property, which is set by the Valuation Office Agency (external site) by a 'multiplier' (the national non-domestic multiplier) set by central government. It is set for the whole of England and is effective from 1 April each year. The multiplier represents the number of pence in each pound of the rateable value that will be payable in Business Rates before any relief or discounts are applied. The calculation gives the amount of rates payable for the year.

The Government reviews the multiplier each year to reflect changes in inflation. By law, the multiplier cannot increase or decrease by more than the rate of inflation, except in the year of a revaluation. In that year it is set at a level which will keep the total amount raised in rates after the revaluation the same as before, plus inflation for that year. There is a revaluation every five years - the last one was in April 2010.

Which agency does what?

The Valuation Office Agency sets the rateable value on which your rates are based. The Government sets the multiplier and makes national rules about Business Rates. Your Council bills and collects Business Rates on behalf of central government.

Estimate your bill

You can estimate your business rates bill using the estimator on the Business Link website (external site). Business Link is the government website for businesses. Any figures that the estimator provides are only estimates. Your exact liability will be on your Business Rates bill from the Council.