From 1st April 2026, the new Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Multipliers will come into force. This will offer businesses a permanent reduction in business rates liability for properties used for retail, hospitality or leisure purposes. Further details on the qualifying criteria be found further down this webpage.
Business rates multiplier
Business rates multipliers apply to standard and small businesses, the retail, leisure and hospitality industry, and high value non-domestic ratings.
The way business rates are worked out is changing.
The current system uses two multipliers based on property rateable value:
- Small business multiplier for properties with a rateable value (RV) below £51,000
- Standard multiplier for properties with a RV of £51,000 and above.
Rates
| Date | Standard | Small business |
|---|
| 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 |
55.5p |
49.9p |
From April 2026, the system will expand to five multipliers. These will reflect both business type and property value.
New multipliers
The non-domestic rating (business rates) multipliers for 2026 to 2027 will be:
Small business multipliers
- Small business multiplier is 43.2p for rateable values under £51,000
- Small business multiplier for retail, leisure and hospitality is 38.2p for rateable values under £51,000.
Standard multipliers
- Standard multiplier is 48p for rateable values of £51,000 to £499,999
- Standard multiplier for retail, leisure and hospitality is 43p for rateable values from £51,000 to £499,999.
High value multipliers
- High value multiplier is 50.8p for rateable values of £500,000 or over.
If your property becomes empty, you will no longer qualify for the RHL Multipliers.
Why the rates have changed
This new system is designed to support local businesses and make sure larger operations contribute fairly:
- The new retail, leisure and hospitality multipliers will replace the annual RHL relief, giving eligible businesses long-term certainty
- A higher multiplier for high value properties will make sure that distribution centres and online retailers contribute proportionately.
Qualification criteria for retail, hospitality and leisure
Applying for RHL Multipliers
Further details on how to apply will be available once you have received your 2026 bill.