Supporting Small Businesses Relief (SSBR) 2026 – 2029
SSBR was first introduced at the 2017 revaluation to support ratepayers facing bill increases greater than the transitional relief caps due to the loss of Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief.
At the 2025 Autumn Statement the Chancellor announced that the 2026 SSBR scheme will cap bill increases by no more than £800 or the relevant transitional relief percentage (whichever is greater) for the 2026 to 2027 tax year.
This is compared to your bill in 2025 to 2026 and includes the following:
- any small business rate relief
- rural rate relief
- retail hospitality and leisure relief
- 2023 supporting small business relief
Further details and examples of how this will be calculated can be found on gov.uk
The 2026 SSB relief will remain in place for either three years or until the bill reaches the amount it would have been prior to the relief being awarded.
Ratepayers who received 2023 SSB relief
For ratepayers who received the 2023 SSB relief on 31st March 2026, which includes those who are receiving Small Business Rates relief and / or Retail Hospitality and Leisure Relief on 31st March 2026 will only be eligible for the 2026 SSB relief until 31st March 2027.
Exclusions
Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs who are already entitled to mandatory 80% relief, are not eligible for 2026 SSBR.
Do the Subsidy control limits apply?
The 2026 SSB relief scheme is likely to count as a subsidy, so can only be claimed if the business has not already exceeded the permitted UK Subsidy Control legislation, specifically the Minimal Financial Assistance threshold (MFA). The MFA threshold enables an economic actor to receive up to £315,000 in a three-year period (consisting of the 2026/27 year and the two previous financial years).
The responsibility lies with the business, on a self-assessment basis, that by accepting the relief, they will not breach the MFA limit.
Further information about the UK Subsidy control regime can be found on gov.uk
Do I need to apply for the 2026 SSB relief?
There is no need to make an application for this relief, we will automatically apply the relief to your account.
If you feel you qualify for this relief but it is not showing on your bill please contact the business rates team.