Business Rates

Business Rates, which are also known as National Non-Domestic Rates, are a local tax paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic/business property, in the same way that Council Tax is a tax paid on all domestic property.

Properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories are subject to Business Rates, but 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.

Your Bill

Your bill details your Business Rate liability less any entitlement to reliefs or exemptions; it also explains when payment is due and how payments should be made.

The Explanatory Notes which normally accompany your bill are now available online, although we are happy to provide a printed copy should you need one. The Explanatory Notes are worded by Central Government: Explanatory Notes.

Key changes from 1 April 2026

From 1 April 2026, the Government is introducing significant changes to Non-Domestic Rates (Business Rates). These changes affect how your bill is calculated, the reliefs available, and how rateable values are set. This page summarises what is changing and what you need to do.

2026 Revaluation (New Rateable Values)

From 1 April 2026, all nondomestic properties in England receive a new rateable value based on rental evidence as at 1 April 2024. Your rateable value may go up, down, or stay the same, and this will affect your bill.

Check or challenge your 2026 Rateable Value (VOA): 
• Check your current and future rateable value using the VOA's online service: Find a business rates valuation - GOV.UK .
• You can also review how your valuation was calculated and notify the VOA if something is incorrect. You must contact the VOA directly, not the Council. How to challenge your business rates valuation - GOV.UK . 

Five New Business Rates Multipliers (from 1 April 2026)

The longstanding two-multiplier system is being replaced with five multipliers, reflecting both property type and rateable value.

The new multiplier structure for 2026–27 is:

• Small Business RHL Multiplier (RV < £51,000): 38.2p 
• Small Business (NonRHL) Multiplier (RV < £51,000): 43.2p 
• Standard RHL Multiplier (RV £51,000–£499,999): 43.0p 
• Standard (NonRHL) Multiplier (RV £51,000–£499,999): 48.0p 
• HighValue Multiplier (RV ≥ £500,000): 50.8p 

The new system:

• Gives lower multipliers to eligible Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) properties below £500,000. 
• Applies higher multipliers to large properties with RV £500,000+. 
• Makes bills more reflective of business type and property size.

End of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief Scheme - 31 March 2026

The temporary RHL relief scheme ends on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, it will be replaced by the new lower RHL multipliers described above.

Key points:

• RHL relief does not continue beyond 2025/26.
• Eligibility for the replacement RHL multipliers depends on the actual use of the property, not just the VOA description. The guidance for the RHL multiplier can be found here: Business Rates Multipliers: Qualifying Retail, Hospitality or Leisure - GOV.UK .

We will calculate your bill by multiplying your Rateable Value by a factor set by central Government each year; this is known as the 'multiplier'. 

The two multipliers for 2025/2026 are 55.5p (54.6p in 24/25) for the standard multiplier and 49.9p (also 49.9p in 24/25) for the small business multiplier. We then apply any rate relief or adjustments that are due and send you a Business Rates bill annually and also whenever there is a change in liability or your payments.

View your Business Rate Bill online

If you would like to see your Business Rates online and sign up for e-billing, you can register for this service through the page below:

Register for e-billing and online Business Rates

Paying your business rates

You can pay your business rates in several ways; in the paying your business rates section you can see the options available and what you should do if you are having problems making payment.

Reliefs and Exemptions

In some circumstances, you may not need to pay the full amount of business rates and some properties may be exempt. You can find out about these different discounts and exemptions on the reliefs and exemptions webpage.

How are your business rates calculated?

Find out how your business rates are calculated and how you may be affected by the transition scheme on the business rates calculation section.

Have your circumstances changed?

If you move into or out of business premises, you must provide us with specific information as detailed here.

For more information, contact our business rates team on 01329 824651 or e-mail us at businessrates@fareham.gov.uk.

How to check or challenge your Rateable Value

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)  is responsible for valuing all business properties. You must contact the VOA directly if you believe your rateable value is wrong. 

Use the VOA online service to:

• Check your 2023–2026 and future 2026–2029 rateable values 
• Review the valuation details the VOA holds 
• Notify the VOA of incorrect property facts 
• Submit a Check/Challenge if needed 

How to challenge your business rates valuation - GOV.UK .

Need More Help?

Fareham Borough Council will update your bill automatically with the correct multiplier and any reliefs you are entitled to. If you believe a relief has not been applied correctly, please contact our Business Rates team.

Business Rate Privacy Notice

Your information will be used by Fareham Borough Council to administer and calculate your liability to taxes or entitlement to benefits. We have a duty to protect public funds and will use this information for the prevention and detection of fraud, auditing, monitoring, statistical and other research.  The information may be shared with third parties (council departments, other councils, government agencies or external agencies). Further information is available in the Council Tax and Business Rate Privacy Notice (602 KB).

Business Rate Freedom of Information Requests

The Council receives a high number of Freedom of Information requests for business rates, which are often similar or identical in nature.  To assist businesses and individuals who may request this information and to avoid the need to make a request, the Council publishes the following information:

• All current non-domestic properties within the Fareham Borough
• Current credit balances
• Statistics of Statutory Recovery Notices Issued

Business Rates made under Freedom of Information

Contact Us

For more information please contact our business rates team on 01329 824651 or by email at businessrates@fareham.gov.uk.