Portsmouth City Council works out how much businesses need to pay. This is done by multiplying the rateable value of the property by a multiplier set by the government.
Use the government’s online calculator to find out how much you need to pay.
What is the multiplier
From 1 April 2026, the government has replaced the old two‑multiplier system with a new five‑multiplier system. This system is designed to make bills more proportionate to business type and property size, and to give ongoing support to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.
Business rates are worked out by multiplying the rateable value of your property by one of the five multipliers listed below.
The five multipliers from 1 April 2026
There are now five types of multipliers:
- Small Business Multiplier (non RHL) – for properties with a rateable value below £51,000
43.2p per pound of rateable value - Standard Multiplier (non RHL) – for properties with a rateable value between £51,000 and £499,999
48.0p per pound - Small Retail, Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) Multiplier – for qualifying RHL properties with a rateable value below £51,000
38.2p per pound - Standard Retail, Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) Multiplier – for qualifying RHL properties with a rateable value between £51,000 and £499,999
43.0p per pound - High Value Multiplier – for properties with a rateable value of £500,000 and above
50.8p per pound
About eligibility
- The RHL multipliers apply only to properties wholly or mainly used for retail, hospitality or leisure activities.
- Unoccupied properties and any property with a rateable value of £500,000 or more cannot receive the lower RHL multipliers.
You can find the multiplier applied to your property on the front of your bill.
Check your rateable value
You can view your property’s current rateable value through the find a Business Rates Valuation on GOV.UK.
Some businesses are eligible for a reduction in their business rates bill. For more information, view the business rates reliefs and exemptions.
Contact us
For more information, contact the business rates team at BusinessRatesTeam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.