We work out how much business rates you have to pay by multiplying the rateable value by the multiplier or 'poundage'. This is from what the government sets each year from 1 April for the whole of England.
2026 to 2027
From 1 April 2026, the government will introduce three new multipliers, alongside the existing standard and small business multipliers.
From that date, there will be five multipliers in total:
- the small non-domestic rating multiplier for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties will be set at 38.2p for all qualifying properties with a Rateable Value lower than £51,000
- the small business non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 43.2p for all properties with a Rateable Value lower than £51,000 that do not qualify as Retail, Hospitality or Leisure
- the standard non-domestic rating multiplier for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure properties will be set at 43.0p for all properties with a Rateable Value between £51,000 and £499,999
- the standard non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 48.0p for all properties with a Rateable Value between £51,000 and £499,999 that do not qualify as Retail, Hospitality or Leisure
- the high value business non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 50.8p for all properties with a Rateable Value of £500,000 or more.
You can find more information about what properties qualify as Retail, Hospitality and Leisure on the factsheet on GOV.UK.
If you believe the multiplier used to calculate your bill is incorrect and you believe that your property meets the criteria, you should contact us to make an application. Email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk.
Note: we can deal with your enquiry quicker if you include your account reference number in the subject line of the email, for example: 'Reference 9011111111'. Do not include it again in the body of the email. You'll also need to confirm the nature of your business and what the property is used for.
You can find your business rates reference number on your business rates bill. It's 10 characters long and starts with '90'.
2025 to 2026
From 1 April 2025, there are 2 multipliers:
- the standard non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 55.5p for all properties with a Rateable Value of £51,000 or more
- the small business non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 49.9p for all properties with a Rateable Value of not more than £50,999
2024 to 2025
From 1 April 2024, there are 2 multipliers:
- the standard non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 54.6p for all properties with a Rateable Value of £51,000 or more
- the small business non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 49.9p for all properties with a Rateable Value of not more than £50,999
2023 to 2024
From 1 April 2023, there are 2 multipliers:
- the standard non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 51.2p for properties with a Rateable Value of £51,000 or more
- the small business non-domestic rating multiplier will be set at 49.9p for properties with a Rateable Value of not more than £50,999
This may be the amount that you have to pay. Any transitional or other reliefs that you're entitled to could reduce the overall amount that you have to pay.
See the Reductions and Reliefs webpages for more information.
See the Transition Arrangements webpages for more information about transitional reliefs.
You can also read the explanatory notes which form part of your bill, on the business rates documents page.
Thinking of moving into business premises in Stockport?
If you're thinking of taking on a business premises in Stockport, visit the Valuation Office Agency website. You can find the rateable value of all business premises and work out how much Business rates you would pay.