Question 1

How are business rates calculated for a railway arch?

Accepted Answer

Business rates are calculated by multiplying your Rateable Value (RV) — set by the Valuation Office Agency — by the applicable multiplier. For 2026/27, the standard multiplier is 0.432p for RVs below £51,000. Retail, Hospitality & Leisure businesses benefit from a lower multiplier of 0.382p.

Question 2

Do railway arches qualify for Small Business Rates Relief?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the arch is your sole business premises and has a Rateable Value below £15,000. Full relief (100%) applies for RVs up to £12,000, with tapered relief between £12,000 and £15,000. This can save you thousands per year.

Question 3

What is the RHL multiplier and does my arch qualify?

Accepted Answer

The Retail, Hospitality & Leisure (RHL) multiplier is a lower business rates multiplier for eligible businesses. Breweries, restaurants, gyms, and retail uses typically qualify. The RHL multiplier is 0.382p vs 0.432p for standard — roughly an 11% saving.

Question 4

How do I find my railway arch's Rateable Value?

Accepted Answer

Search the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website at gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates. Enter your arch's address or postcode. If the RV seems too high, you can challenge it through the VOA's Check, Challenge, Appeal process.

Question 5

Can I appeal my railway arch's business rates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use the VOA's three-stage process: Check (verify your property details are correct), Challenge (formally propose a change to the RV), and Appeal (take your case to the Valuation Tribunal). Many arch tenants successfully reduce their RV through this process.

Category	RV below £51k	RV £51k+
Retail, Hospitality & Leisure	0.382p	0.43p
Standard (all other)	0.432p	0.48p

Railway Arch Business Rates Estimator

How Business Rates Work for Railway Arches

2026/27 Business Rates Multipliers

Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR)

Frequently Asked Questions