New Retail and Leisure Rates Relief Now Available for Eligible Businesses
Non-Domestic Rates bills have been issued from 9 April 2026, and businesses across the region are being encouraged to check whether they qualify for new Retail and Leisure Rates Relief now in effect.
Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses could receive up to 15% relief on their annual Non-Domestic Rates bill. The relief will run for three financial years, covering 2026–27, 2027–28 and 2028–29.
The relief is available to businesses with a rateable value of up to and including £100,000 that operate within qualifying retail, leisure and service sectors. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Bed and breakfast accommodation and guest houses
- Camping and caravan sites
- Chalets, holiday huts, bothies and self-catering holiday accommodation (a short-term let licence is required)
- Timeshare accommodation
- Markets and auction houses
- Retail shops
- Leisure facilities such as cinemas, gyms and tourist attractions
- Personal service businesses including hair and beauty providers
- Health spas and massage parlours
- Funeral parlours
- Travel agencies
- Meeting, event or activity spaces, including venues for hire
- Facilities used by youth organisations, such as scout huts
Please note: Businesses already receiving 100% relief, such as the Small Business Bonus Scheme, should not apply for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Rates Relief. The relief is capped at £110,000 per ratepayer over the three-year period.
Eligible businesses must apply for the relief. Applications can be made online via the dedicated webpage.
Businesses are encouraged to review their Rates bill and apply as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out on support they may be entitled to.