Why have my business rates increased in 2026?
A higher 2026 bill can come from more than one moving part: a new rateable value, a different multiplier, relief changes or transitional rules. Separate those questions before assuming the valuation itself is wrong.
The revaluation
HMRC published the 2026 compiled rating list on 1 April 2026. The official statistical release compares the 2023 and 2026 lists by sector and geography and says the revaluation reflects changes in the property market since the previous revaluation.
Five multipliers in England
For 2026/27, England uses five multiplier categories. For the non-retail, hospitality and leisure property types in the first X-Ray release, the general multipliers are 43.2p below £51,000 RV, 48.0p from £51,000 to £499,999, and 50.8p from £500,000 upward. Retail, hospitality and leisure properties have separate lower multipliers below £500,000.
Relief can change what you actually pay
Rateable value is not the same thing as the final bill. Small Business Rate Relief, Supporting Small Business Relief, transitional relief and other adjustments can change liability. Your council bill is the practical authority for what you owe.
Why this matters for X-Ray
A sharp bill increase can come from several moving pieces: a changed valuation, a changed multiplier, loss or tapering of relief, or transitional rules. X-Ray keeps the valuation question separate from the bill question.
Official sources
HMRC 2026 revaluation statistics
GOV.UK business rates estimator and multipliers
GOV.UK business rates relief
Last checked: 8 August 2026.