Content

With effect from 1 April 2026 the government
is introducing two new discretionary rate reliefs:
a. Supporting Small Business Relief 2026
b. Pubs and Live Music Venue Relief
The schemes are available to ratepayers meeting all the criteria
including subsidy control rules.
Guildford Borough Council will grant Supporting Small Business
Relief 2026 in the form of discretionary rate relief under S47 of
the Local Government Finance Act 1988, in accordance with the
criteria that the government has set out at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-rates-relief-2026-supporting-small-business-relief-local-authority-guidance

Guildford Borough Council will grant Pubs and Live Music Venue
Relief in the form of discretionary rate relief under S47 of the
Local Government Finance Act 1988, in accordance with the criteria
that the government has set out at
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/business-rates-pubs-and-live-music-venues-relief-local-authority-guidance

Reasons for the decision

The government expects Billing Authorities to
use their discretionary powers to provide these reliefs to
businesses. Provided we follow the government’s guidance,
they will reimburse us for the reliefs via S31 grant. The relief
helps local businesses at minimal cost to the council.

Alternative options considered

Whilst not adopting the retails scheme is in
theory an option, the expectation of both the government and
business is that we will provide the discretionary rate
reliefs.