Supporting Small Business Relief 2026 is a new scheme to support ratepayers who lost Small Business Rate Relief or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief due to the 2026 business rates revaluation, and is separate from the 2023 scheme.
The 2026 Supporting Small Business (SSBR) relief scheme cap will increase to £800 per year or the relevant caps within transitional relief, whichever is the greater.
This applies if your bills have significantly increased due to the 2026 Revaluation and are losing eligibility for some or all the following reliefs:
- Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)
- 40% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief/ Rural Rate Relief
- 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief
If you were receiving Supporting Small Business Relief (SSBR) from the 2023 scheme on 31 March 2026, including if you were also receiving Small Business Rate Relief, Rural Rate Relief or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief, any entitlement to the 2026 SSBR scheme will end on 31 March 2027.
Otherwise, if you're eligible, you'll remain in the 2026 scheme for up to 3 years, or until your bill reaches the amount you would have paid without the scheme.
If you lost Small Business Rate Relief during 2025 to 2026 because you failed the second property test, but you were given a 12 month grace period or a grace period of up to 3 years from 27 November 2025 under the Small Business Rate Relief rules, you can remain on the 2026 SSBR scheme for the remainder of your grace period.
Entitlement to 2026 SSBR 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
How to get the relief
You don't need to apply for this relief.
If you qualify, this will be applied to your business rates account automatically.
If you think you are entitled to SSBR, but haven't received an award, contact us at Bristol City Council: Business rates.
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 thresholds under the Subsidy Control Act.
This means no recipient can receive over £315,000 over a 3-year period, consisting of the current financial year and the 2 previous financial years.
Any other subsidies claimed under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement should be counted under the £315,000 allowance.
Refusal of SSBR 2026
If this relief has been applied to your account and you do not require it, you can choose to cancel your relief.
Contact us at Bristol City Council: Business rates to cancel the relief.
Eligibility criteria
Visit Business Rates Relief: 2026 Supporting Small Business Relief for eligibility criteria for the scheme.