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In the Autumn Statement, on 17 November 2022, the Chancellor announced the introduction of a new business rates relief scheme for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties worth around £2.1 billion in 2023/24. This scheme is intended to support the businesses that keep our high streets and town centres alive - to help them evolve and adapt to changing consumer demands.
The 2023/24 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief scheme will provide eligible, occupied, retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a 75% relief (previously 50%), up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business.
Businesses should contact the business rates team if they wish to opt out of this support.
I think I qualify but the relief is not shown on my bill
If you think you qualify, but are not getting the relief, complete and return the application form (in the download area of this page), confirming your entitlement.
Read the qualification criteria notes, below, carefully before deciding whether you qualify, and whether you can apply. You may need to take advice from your accountants if you are unsure about the subsidy cap.
To be eligible for this discount, the premises must:
be occupied (empty premises do not qualify)
have an occupied rates charge for the year (properties receiving 100% Small Business Rate Relief, for example, do not qualify)
be wholly, or mainly, used for retail, hospitality, or leisure purposes for visiting members of the public
Qualifying retail uses include:
shops (including post offices)
car showrooms
car hire
opticians
petrol stations
restaurants
cafes
takeaways
drinking establishments
music venues
cinemas
sports grounds and clubs
museums and art galleries
nightclubs
sport and leisure facilities
theatres
tourist attractions
gyms
hotels
The government has identified certain retail uses that do not qualify for the original discount. Your premises will not get a discount if it is being used for the following:
financial services, such as banks, building societies, cash points: both individual cash points and retail units with only cash points in them, bureaux de change, payday lenders and pawn brokers
medical services such as dentists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors and vets
professional services such as solicitors, accountants, insurance agents/ financial advisers, employment agencies, estate agents, letting agents
post Office sorting offices.
properties that are not reasonably accessible to visiting members of the public
