Business rates revaluation 2026
Why councils need to review their NNDR base now
From April 2026, business rates will be billed on new rateable values set by the Valuation Office Agency. Those values are based on the market as of 1 April 2024, and the draft 2026 list is expected by late 2025, typically by 1 December.
For councils, that means the practical window to verify local data, assemble evidence, and prepare communications is already open. Reviews can take months, so acting now protects income and avoids missing the cutoff date.
What changes in 2026
Business Rates revaluation redistributes liability across sectors and places. Some local businesses will see bills fall, while others will see them rise. A new multiplier framework will also apply from 2026 to 2027, with final rates confirmed at the Budget in 2025.
The shape of these changes is set nationally, however, the impact is felt locally. Councils that prepare early can reduce avoidable disputes, improve the accuracy of bills, and keep in-year collection steady.
Focus on your tax base today
Collections start with the list. Small gaps in property data, from unrecorded changes of use to misclassified hereditaments, reduce what you can bill and ultimately what you collect. The most reliable way to uncover issues is to pair desktop analytics with on-site validation, then prepare a clear evidence pack for engagement with the VOA. This approach supports fair billing for businesses and a more resilient income base for the authority.
In practice, this work finds real value. In one recent review, we helped a council identify properties that should have been on the list, plus changes that increased rateable value, all backed by photographs and floor notes. For a more detailed example, see how Brent Council strengthened its tax base through targeted review and on-site checks.
Reduce disputes and arrears through early communication
Where bills are likely to rise after revaluation, early contact helps ratepayers understand what is changing and why. Clear language, signposts to support, and a channel for questions can reduce formal challenges and prevent arrears from building during the transition.
What needs to be completed before December 2025
- Evidence of suspected changes to rateable value or hereditament status, ready to share with the VOA
- A local audit of retail, hospitality and leisure status, with supporting records
- An exposure map for high-value properties and those close to multiplier thresholds
- Internal property records reconciled to the 1 April 2024 valuation date
- A draft list response plan, including communications templates and FAQs
- Simple modelling that can be updated quickly when Budget 2025 confirms multiplier rates and any transitional relief
“Working in partnership with Liberata has been very helpful in increasing our Business Rates revenue. Their expert-led, zero-risk approach has allowed us to uncover undervalued and misclassified properties, ensuring a fair taxation for local businesses. The results show a significant additional revenue identified and a transparent process. We value our ongoing collaboration with Liberata and look forward to continuing to maximise our financial potential through this partnership.”
Jasvanti Varsani – Revenues & Debt Service Manager
Brent Council
Next steps
Start your business rates review now and avoid a year end rush. We carry out the desktop analysis, validate on site, and prepare an audit ready evidence pack for VOA engagement, so you do not need to commit internal resource. With a practical deadline of 1 December 2025, beginning soon gives you time to identify changes, verify them, assemble evidence, and brief stakeholders.
Find out more about our Business Rates Review service and speak to our team today.
