Business Rates
Councils are challenging government funding formulas and discussing business rates relief amidst ongoing financial pressures.
Kensington and Chelsea Council is challenging the government's funding formula, which it states will reduce its resources by £108 million over four years, as of October 2026. This comes as Barnet Council forecast a £2.6 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026-27 in September 2026, and Redbridge Council projected a £5.4 million budget overspend for the 2026-27 financial year in July 2026. These financial pressures highlight the broader context of local government funding, which business rates contribute to.
Councils are also addressing business rates relief, a tax on non-domestic properties paid by businesses. In January 2026, Richmond upon Thames Council debated support for the hospitality sector, calling on the government to extend financial support beyond pubs to other businesses facing similar pressures. Westminster Council's Rating Advisory Panel discussed Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary and Hardship Relief applications in November 2025.
Key facts
- Kensington and Chelsea Council is challenging a government funding formula that it states will strip £108 million from its resources over four years, as of October 2026. Source
- Barnet Council forecast a £2.621 million overspend for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council projected a £5.4 million budget overspend for the current financial year in July 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council debated support for the hospitality sector amidst business rate concerns in January 2026. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.