Rates multiplier
The national non-domestic rating multiplier is the rate in the pound (poundage) which is then multiplied by the rateable value to calculate annual rate bill for a commercial property. The multiplier is set annually by the Government and except in a revaluation year (2005 Revaluation), cannot rise by more than the increase in the retail price index. From 1 April 2005 there are two multipliers; the standard non-domestic rating mutilpier and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier. The former is higher to pay for small business rate relief.
Details of poundages since 1/4/91 are as follows:
Standard mutiplier Small business multiplier
2009/10 48.5p in the £ 48.1p in the £
2008/09 46.2p in the £ 45.8p in the £
2007/08 44.4p in the £ 44.1p in the £
2006/07 43.3p in the £ 42.6p in the £
2005/06 42.2p in the £ 41.5p in the £
2004/05 45.6p in the £
2003/04 44.4p in the £
2002/03 43.7p in the £
2001/02 43.0p in the £
2000/01 41.6p in the £
The multiplier that came into effect on 1 April 2000 for all properties applies to the property regardless of its size.
1999/00 48.0p in the £ Properties under £10,000
48.9p in the £ Properties over £10,000
1998/99 46.5p in the £ Properties under £10,000
47.4p in the £ Properties over £10,000
1997/98 44.9p in the £ Properties under £10,000
45.8p in the £ Properties over £10,000
1996/97 44.9p in the £
1995/96 43.2p in the £
1994/95 42.3p in the £
1993/94 41.6p in the £
1992/93 40.2p in the £
1991/92 38.6p in the £
You can check the rateable value of a commercial property by visiting the website for the Valuation Office Agency at http://www.voa.gov.uk