What Is the RHL Multiplier for 2026?
Learn what the RHL multiplier is for 2026/27, who qualifies for the lower rate, and how it affects your business rates bill.
The RHL (Retail, Hospitality and Leisure) multiplier for 2026/27 is 38.2p per pound of rateable value, compared to the standard multiplier of 48.0p.
Key Facts
In Detail
The RHL multiplier for 2026/27 is 38.2p per pound of rateable value. This is a permanently lower multiplier introduced from April 2026 for properties that are wholly or mainly used for retail, hospitality, or leisure purposes and have a rateable value below 51,000. The standard multiplier, which applies to all other properties and to RHL properties above the 51,000 threshold, is 48.0p for 2026/27. The RHL multiplier replaced the previous system of annual retail relief discounts, which had to be renewed each year and created uncertainty for business planning. The permanent lower multiplier means qualifying hospitality businesses pay roughly 20% less in rates than they would at the standard rate. For a restaurant with a rateable value of 25,000, this is a saving of 2,450 per year compared to the standard multiplier. The RHL multiplier should be applied automatically by your local authority. However, errors do occur, particularly for properties near the 51,000 threshold or those with ambiguous use classifications. Always check your rates bill to confirm the correct multiplier has been used.
Which Properties Qualify
The RHL multiplier applies to properties used for retail (shops, markets, showrooms), hospitality (restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels), and leisure (cinemas, theatres, gyms) purposes. The rateable value must be below 51,000. The classification is based on actual use, not planning permission. If your property has mixed uses, the primary use determines eligibility.
How to Check Your Bill
Your rates bill should show the multiplier used to calculate your charge. Look for the pence-in-the-pound figure. If it shows 48.0p and your property is a hospitality venue with RV under 51,000, the wrong multiplier may have been applied. Contact your local council business rates team to request a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the RHL multiplier?
No. The RHL multiplier should be applied automatically by your local authority based on the use class of your property. However, check your bill to confirm it has been applied correctly.
What happens if my RV goes above 51,000?
If your rateable value is at or above 51,000, you pay the standard multiplier of 48.0p. A successful VOA challenge that brings your RV below the threshold would qualify you for the lower RHL rate.
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