Business rates
Councils are currently addressing significant budget overspends and discussing business rates relief for local businesses.
Barnet Council is forecasting a £2.6 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026-27, with projected deficits escalating, according to its Medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2026. Redbridge Council also faces a projected £5.4 million budget overspend for the 2026-27 financial year, as reported to its Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July 2026, driven by pressures including under-delivery of savings.
Discussions around business rates relief continue, with Richmond upon Thames Council passing a motion in January 2026 calling for extended government financial support for the hospitality sector. This followed Westminster Council's Rating Advisory Panel discussing Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief applications in November 2025. Lewisham's Mayor and Cabinet is scheduled to discuss business rates in October 2026.
Business rates are a tax on non-domestic properties, such as offices and shops, paid by businesses to local authorities to fund local services. Councils are working through how to manage financial pressures while considering support for local businesses through relief.
Key facts
- Barnet Council is forecasting a £2.621 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026-27. Source
- Redbridge Council projects a £5.4 million budget overspend for the 2026-27 financial year. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council passed a motion in January 2026 calling for extended financial support for the hospitality sector. Source
- Westminster Council's Rating Advisory Panel discussed Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief applications in November 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.