Supporting small business (SSB) relief scheme

The 2026 supporting small business relief scheme will cap increases at £800 per year, or the relevant caps within transitional relief (whichever is the greatest) over the next three years.

It will help ratepayers due to the revaluation see large increases in their rates bill as a result of losing some or all of their:

• Small business rate relief
• 40% Retail, Hospitality, Leisure relief

2023 supporting small business relief (these ratepayers will only be entitled to 1 year of the 2026 relief scheme)

The discount will end:

• when your bill reaches the amount you would have paid without the scheme
• if the property falls vacant
• if the property is occupied by a charity or Community Amateur Sports Club (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 business.rates@reading.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.

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. Extended Retail Discounts granted in 2021-22 do not count towards the limit. Covid business grants received from local government and any other subsidy claimed under the Minimal Financial Assistance or Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit over the 3-year period should be counted. 

Refusal of relief

If we have applied the relief and you do not wish to receive it, you can choose to cancel your relief.