All non domestic properties are given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) which is part of HM Revenue & Customs. They base their assessment on the annual rent for your property would be if it were let on the open market as at 1st April 2021. All rateable values are calculated using this date so each assessment is considered fair. For more information regarding your rateable value and how it is determined please visit the https://www.gov.uk/find-business-ratesVOA website
Calculating your bill
The rateable value of your property is not the amount you will pay in Business Rates. To calculate your bill we multiply the rateable value by a figure called the national multiplier. This is a figure set by Central Government each year and is a rate in the pound which every local authority must use to calculate Business Rates bills.
Non-Domestic Rate multipliers for 2026/2027
- Small business RHL multiplier – For RHL properties with rateable values under £51,000 -0.382
- Standard RHL multiplier – For RHL properties with rateable values between £51,000 and £499,999 - 0.430
- Small business multiplier – For properties with rateable values under £51,000 - 0.432
- Standard multiplier - For properties with rateable values between £51,000 and £499,999 - 0.480
- High Value multiplier – For properties with rateable values of 500,000 or more - 0.508
This overall total can then be affected by discounts or reliefs that you may be entitled to.
Where does the income from business rates go?
- 50% goes to Central Government
- 49% is retained by Southend-on-Sea City Council
- 1% goes to Essex Fire and Rescue Authority
Explanatory notes
Explanatory notes are available to view for: