Business rates discounts and reliefs

Supporting Small Business Relief (SSBR) is a Government scheme designed to protect smaller businesses from large increases in their Business Rates bills following the 2026 national revaluation. The scheme applies from 1 April 2026 and runs for up to three years (2026/27–2028/29).

What is Supporting Small Business Relief 2026?

SSBR 2026 caps the annual increase in a business’s rates bill if the business loses certain reliefs due to the 2026 revaluation.

You may qualify if your bill increases because you lose:

• Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)
• Rural Rate Relief
• 40% Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief (RHL)
• 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief

SSBR ensures that your bill does not jump sharply in one year, even if your rateable value has increased significantly.

How much relief will I get?

From 1 April 2026, any eligible business will have its annual bill increase capped at:

The greater of:

£800 per year or the relevant transitional relief percentage cap

Annual caps under the transitional scheme

How long does the relief last?

Duration depends on why you qualify:

If you lost SBRR, Rural Relief or RHL Relief

You remain in the scheme: For up to three years, OR until your bill reaches the full amount you would normally have paid, whichever comes first.

If you were receiving the 2023 SSB Relief

You will receive 2026 SSBR for one year only, ending 31 March 2027.

Who is NOT eligible?

The following cannot receive SSBR:

• Charities
• Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs)
• Unoccupied properties

These groups already receive mandatory relief or do not meet eligibility criteria.

Do I need to apply?

No.  The relief is applied automatically to eligible ratepayers. If you believe you qualify but do not see it on your bill, you should email us at Business.Rates@wyre.gov.uk   You may also refuse the relief if you do not wish to receive it by emailing the above