Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief

Important changes to Business Rates

In the Autumn 2025 Budget, the government announced changes to how Business Rates are calculated, which will affect your future bills. They have also applied a Transitional Relief Supplement to all bills, but some businesses will not have to pay it. You can find a full explanation of the Transitional Relief Supplement.

Grant scheme open

The Chelmsford Urban Business Grant Scheme now open for applications, and closes on 30 June. If you are eligible, you can apply for up to £10,000. You can find out more details and apply online on the Invest Chelmsford website.

Business Rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure If we haven't already applied this to your bill, you can find out if you are eligible and how to apply.

Business Rates relief for pubs and live music venues The government have announced that in 2026/27, eligible pubs and live music venues will receive 15% relief on their business rates bill. You can find out how to apply if we haven't automatically applied this to your bill.

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief 2025/26 Eligible businesses can get 40% relief on their business rates bills for 2025/26. This is called the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme, and is capped at £110,000.

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief 2022-23. 2023-24 and 2024-25 Eligible businesses can get up to 75% relief on their business rates bills. This is called the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme, and is capped at £110,000.