Business rates are calculated by multiplying the 'rateable value' of a business and non-domestic property by the 'business rate multiplier'.
Rateable value
Rateable value is a professional assessment of the annual rental value of a property on a specific date.
The government's Business Link website has information on the rateable values for all business and non-domestic properties in England.
What if I think the rateable value is wrong?
Current rateable values reflect rental values as at 1 April 2024. If you have reason to believe that your rateable value does not reflect the rental value of your property as at 1 April 2024, you need to let the VOA know.
If you think the valuation of your property is wrong, you need to have evidence to show why you believe this to be the case.
Business rate multiplier
The business rate multiplier is used by us to calculate your business rates bill. The multiplier indicates the percentage, or pence in the pound, of the rateable value that you will pay in business rates.
Three new multipliers have been introduced from 1st April 2026, two relating to Retail Hospitality and Leisure and one for properties with a rateable value over £499,999
The Retail Hospitality and Leisure multipliers have replaced Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief from 1st April 2026.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council will be responsible for determining which properties are eligible for these multipliers in line with government guidance. If your property has not been designated as Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and you believe it should be see our RHL Multipliers.
Estimating your business rates bill
The Business Link website has an online tool that allows you to estimate what your business rates will be: