From 1 April 2026, the government has ended the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief scheme.
Instead:
- The scheme is replaced by new business rates multipliers.
- These provide lower multipliers for qualifying retail, hospitality and leisure properties with rateable values below £500,000.
- This change is part of the 2026 business rates revaluation and wider reforms.
Under the new system:
- Support is delivered through the multiplier applied to the rateable value, rather than a percentage relief scheme.
- Bedford Borough Council is responsible for determining which hereditaments qualify based on government guidance and property use.
Register for a Business Rates account
You can now register for an online Business Rates account which will allow you to:
- view your up to date account information
- check your balance, payments and bills
- switch to paperless billing
- update your contact details
To register for an online account you will need your account number as it appears on your Business Rates bill or recovery notice, plus one of the items from the following:
- The postcode for your business property.
- The last 3 digits of a telephone number you have already registered with us.
- The last 3 digits of your bank account number if you pay by Direct Debit.
You can also use the registration process to let us know if you would like to switch to paperless billing.
Register for an online Business Rates account
Sign in to your online Business Rates account
If you already have an online Business Rates account you can sign in here:
Sign in to your online Business Rates account
Upload a document online
You can now upload documents online (eg lease agreement) relating to your Business Rates. You will need to provide your property postcode, your Business Rates account number as it appears on your latest bill or recovery notice and a way to contact you (phone number or email address).