Autumn Budget Updates

Posted on 27/11/2025

Business Rates, Visitor Levy, New National Licensing Policy Framework, Neighbourhood Health Centres, Local Growth Fund

The Government’s budget announcement on 26 November brings significant changes for businesses and high streets. Below is a summary of the main areas, click on the title links to read further details:

Business Rates

The new rates revaluation comes into effect on 1 April 2026. Here are the main areas of change:

New Rateable Values
Find your future business rates bill on the Government’s Business Rates Revaluation website.
New Five‑Tier Multiplier System
England moves from two to five multipliers, differing by property sector and size:
1. Small business non‑RHL (Retail, Hospitality, Leisure RV < £51k): 43.2p
2. Small business RHL (RV < £51k): 38.2p
3. Standard non‑RHL (RV £51k–£499,999): 48p
4. Standard RHL (RV £51k–£499,999): 43p
5. High‑value properties (all sectors, RV ≥ £500k): 50.8
Targeted Relief for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure
1. New lower RHL multipliers replace the annual relief (see above)
2. The cap from the previous scheme has been removed for businesses with multiple properties
Transitional Relief Scheme
1. £3.2 billion scheme over three years to help cushion sharp revaluation-driven increases.
2. Caps on annual bill increases vary by RV band: Up to £20k: 5% → 10% → 25+inflation | £20k–£100k: 15% → 25% → 40% |Over £100k: 30% → 25% → 25%
3. But a 1p supplement on occupiers not eligible for Transitional Relief or Small Business Support, helping fund the scheme.
The Check, Challenge, Appeal (CCA)
Process continues, with changes now challengeable post-1 April 2026

This wasn’t included in the 2025 Devolution Bill but the Government is now consulting on the design of a new Mayoral power to create visitor levies on overnight stays in England and whether whether Foundation Strategic Authorities should have this power. The deadline to reply is 18 February 2026.

New National Licensing Policy Framework

A non-legislative approach which aims to align licensing practices with national priorities including economic growth, cultural development, jobs, regeneration, public safety and community well being. The Government would like to “balance statutory licensing goals (public safety, crime prevention, nuisance, protecting children) with broader national aims: economic growth, cultural vitality, local regeneration, jobs” and “create predictable, consistent licensing decisions, helping businesses plan more effectively and reduce administrative burdens by 25%.”