Ratepayers losing eligibility for some or all of their Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rate Relief as a result of the 2026 revaluation will have their increases limited to £800 per year or the relevant caps within transitional relief (whichever is the greatest). The 2026 SSBR scheme has been expanded to ratepayers losing their Retail, Hospitality or Leisure Relief (RHL). The government has also announced a one-year extension of the 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief for those ratepayers receiving 2023 SSBR relief on 31 March 2026 (including those also receiving Small Business Rate Relief, Rural Rate Relief, and/or RHL Relief on 31 March 2026). Any eligibility for 2026 SSBR will end on 31 March 2027. All other eligible ratepayers remain in 2026 SSBR for either 3 years or until they reach the bill they would have paid without the scheme. This relief will be automatically applied to your annual bill.
A change of ratepayer will not affect eligibility for the Supporting Small Business scheme. The Supporting Small Business Relief scheme will continue for a period of three years or until ratepayers reach the bill they would have paid without the scheme being in place.
Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs, who are already entitled to 80% Mandatory Relief, are not entitled to Supporting Small Business Relief. Eligibility for Supporting Small Business Relief will cease if the property becomes vacant or becomes occupied by a charity or Community Amateur Sports Club.
The Supporting Small Business Relief scheme is likely to amount to a subsidy. Therefore any relief provided by Central Bedfordshire Council under this scheme, will need to comply with the UK’s domestic and international subsidy control obligations.
Read more about the Supporting Small Business Relief scheme on GOV.UK.