Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) is a discount for small businesses, generally occupying one business premises, where the rateable value (RV) is below £15,000. If eligible, businesses occupying premises with an RV of £12,000 or less may receive 100% relief.

Businesses occupying premises with an RV between £12,001 and £15,000 will receive a tapered relief where the 100% relief is incrementally reduced to 0% as the RV is increased.

SBRR can’t be awarded where a property is:

  • empty or
  • occupied by a Charity or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)
  • occupied by a business receiving Rural Rate Relief

To claim SBRR you must complete a form. Email [email protected] for more details.

More than one property is occupied

Where liability for business rates applies to more than one property SBRR may be awarded in certain circumstances.

If a business occupies a premises with a RV up to £15,000 and is liable to pay rates for other properties that each have a RV of £2,899 or less, and the total RV of all properties added together is below £19,999. You can only get SBRR on one property, which is awarded to the property with the highest RV.

Taking on another business premises

If taking on a second premises, a business that is already receiving SBRR can keep the relief on its original property for a ‘grace’ period. Whilst the original property is occupied, the second property will not receive SBRR.

In the Autumn 2025 statement, the government advised that after 27 November 2025 the ‘grace’ period would be increased from 1 year to 3 years.

On a general revaluation, RV’s may increase above the £2,899, £12,000 and £15,000 thresholds, resulting in SBRR reductions or SBRR ending. Where applicable, these changes take effect from the start of the new valuation list.

Change of circumstances

You must email [email protected] if your circumstances change.

For example, if:

  • your business occupies another property
  • your business is no longer liable to pay business rates
  • your business premises become unoccupied
  • the rateable value of a property you occupy outside Dorset Council’s area changes

SBRR records are reviewed. If you haven't told us about a change, and you no longer meet the qualifying conditions, it may lead to a backdated business rate bill being issued. Which may become payable within 14 days.