Supporting Small Business relief (SSB)
What is Supporting Smalll Business Relief?
Supporting Small Business Relief helps businesses whose business rates bills have increased following a revaluation and have lost some or all of their Small Business Rate Relief, Rural Rate Relief, Retail Hospitality and Lesiure Relief or 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief.
The scheme was first introduced in 2017 and is contuining following the most recent revalatuion from 1 April 2026.
What you will get
If you're eligible, your bills will go up by no more than £800 or the percentage caps listed in the table below for the 2026 to 2027 tax year. Whichever is the greater of the amounts is what your bill is capped at.
| Rateable value | 2026 to 2027 |
|---|---|
| Up to £20,000 | 5% |
| £20,001 to £100,000 | 15% |
| Over £100,000 | 30% |
This is compared to what your 2025 to 2026 bill was after all discount were applied.
Who is not eligible?
You will not be eligible if:
- The property is occupied by a charity or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC)
- The property is empty
- Mandatory 80% charity relief is already being received
How long does the relief last?
If you were receiving 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief on 31 March 2026, your eligiblity for the 2026 scheme will end on 31 March 2027.
All other eligible business can receive the relief for either:
- Up to 3 years, or
- Until your bill reaches the amount you would have paid without the scheme
The discount will end:
- if the property becomes empty, or
- if the property becomes occupied by a charity or CASC
There is no need to make an application for this relief. If you qualify, we will automatically apply the relief to your account and send you a revised bill. If you think you are entitled to the relief but haven’t received it, please contact the Business Rates team at businessrates@northwarks.gov.uk.
Any relief awarded under this scheme will be adjusted if there is a change in your circumstances, for example if you vacate the premises or there is an amendment to the rateable value of your premises.
You can view our policy for Supporting Small Business Rates Relief.
Subsidy control
Supporting Small Business Relief Scheme is subject to the Minimal Financial Assistance limits under the Subsidy Control Act. This means no recipient can receive over £315,000 over a 3-year period. This consists of the current financial year and the 2 previous financial years. If it appears this limit will be exceeded, the Council must withhold the relief.
More information on Subsidy Control