How April’s New Business Rates Will Impact Cheltenham’s Town Centre and How BID and Chamber can Support You
Friday March 6, 2026
Cheltenham BID and Chamber of Commerce are aware that business rate invoices are imminent and that many will find that they have increased considerably and expected to continue rising over the next three years.
Much of the focus has been on small retail and hospitality businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimate that on average, they will face an increase of more than 50% over the period. And this is on the back of rising employment costs.
These businesses that contribute hugely to the economy, employment and to the social and cultural lives of towns. And are critical for tourism in places like Cheltenham.
But they are not the only ones impacted, many office occupiers face steep rises as well.
Business Rates From April 2026
These were announced in the 2025 autumn statement. There are three key factors:
- New rateable value calculations
- New “multipliers” (effectively the “tax rate”) – some of which have risen and some fallen depending on value and sector
- Reduction and in some cases, removal of reliefs available previously
Despite some subsequent adjustments to reliefs, many businesses will be very hard hit, prompting calls for the Government to review the system and implement a fairer approach to support businesses and minimise negative impacts on growth and jobs.
What Can Businesses Do?
Due to the complexity of the system, the impact will differ widely. This Government website summarises the key information.
Things to consider include:
- Check your current Valuation Office Agency (VOA) valuation now. This may affect the new one that will apply from April but you must do the before 31st March.
- Appeal the new rateable value calculation to the VOA. You can only do this from 1st April and there is some guidance here.
You could handle simple cases yourself, or you could choose to use an agent. If so, please check carefully (e.g. do they have relevant credentials such as RICS or IRRV.) Beware “rogue agents” who may ask for up-front payments, charge heavy commissions or promise unrealistic results.
- Ensure you are getting all the reliefs to which you are entitled. There are some still in place and there is information here.
If you think you qualify for additional relief, you should contact Cheltenham Borough Council rates office. business.rates@cheltenham.gov.uk
- Review your business plans / costs – talk to your accountant or keep an eye out for seminars or other guidance, for example from BID or Growth Hub.
Adding Your Voice to the Call for Change
The British Chambers of Commerce and Retail Consortium have called for the review of the system to go much further and the influential BID, Heart of London Business Alliance is calling for specific changes to the system.
An initiative started locally – Hands Off Our Pubs (HOOP) have been making headlines and you can read about FSB’s recent call on Government to do more on the issue here
Cheltenham BID and the Chamber are in regular contact with Max Wilkinson, MP and local authorities, so please let us know of any specific concerns you would like passed on.
And you can, of course, write to your MP individually.
We will do our best to keep you up to date with any further developments on this issue.
