The 2023 Rating List closes on 31 March 2026. If you want to benefit from any potential refund back to 2023, you need to act well in advance of this deadline. For many occupiers, this is the final opportunity to challenge the current Rateable Value and, where justified, claim up to three years of backdated savings.
After 31 March 2026, the window to appeal the 2023 list and secure backdated refunds closes. If business rates are a major overhead, we recommend reviewing your position now—so there’s time to gather evidence and progress a claim properly before the deadline.
Business rates assessments don’t always reflect what’s happening on the ground. Changes to your property, how you occupy it, or the surrounding environment can affect value and eligibility for relief. A structured review can surface issues that are easy to miss in day-to-day operations.
Where supported by evidence, a successful challenge may lead to retrospective reductions and/or refunds for overpaid rates (backdated under the 2023 list, if submitted in time).
Where you might find hidden savings
A rating review serves as a financial health check for your premises. Common triggers include:
You’ve carried out work or changes
Property changes can affect the assessment, especially if the VOA record is outdated.
Examples include:
→ Initial fit-out works
→ Refurbishments during the lease term
→ Delayed occupation at the start of your lease.
If any of these situations apply, you may have grounds for a review and potential retrospective adjustments.
External disruption affected access or trading conditions
In some cases, external factors may justify a reduction, such as:
→ Neighbouring construction
→ Roadworks
→ Restricted access impacting footfall, servicing, or visibility
You don’t fully occupy the space
If you’re only using part of the premises, you may be eligible for apportioned relief through your Local Authority, subject to local procedures and supporting evidence.
You’re planning a move or budgeting for 2026+
Business rates will be revalued in April 2026, which may significantly affect your rateable value and costs. If you are relocating, renegotiating a lease, or forecasting expenses, reviewing your rates position can help reduce uncertainty and prevent budgeting gaps.
The draft 2026 Rating List was published at the end of November, so if you been waiting to start on assessing your position, quick action can help you reduce exposure in the next cycle as well as address any opportunities on the current list.
Our approach is clear advice, evidence-led and transparent on fees. We work with our partners at ForeView, who operate on a pure no success, no invoice basis.
Looking ahead: April 2026 Revaluation – liability through to 2029
Free Rating Health Check
Contact our team for an initial review to understand:
→ Your backdated refund potential under the 2023 list (if you act before 31 March 2026)
→ Your forward liability exposure under the draft 2026 list (April 2026–2029)
→ What could change, why, and how it may affect budgeting
If you’re eligible, we’ll outline the next steps, expected timelines, and what information we’ll need to progress.
We are working with clients to save every operational cost possible, and this one is a clear win. If there’s a legitimate opportunity to recover up to three years of overpaid rates, the time to act is before 31 March 2026.
Call us on +44 020 3514 8865 or email [email protected]
