Business rates can be confusing, particularly following a revaluation. We’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often from Dorking businesses.
Please note we have tried to be as accurate as possible in compiling this information, but you should check your own circumstances with the council or VOA. Information may change and this article was updated in July 2026. Errors and Omissions Excepted.
Why has my rateable value changed?
Rateable values are reviewed periodically by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to better reflect changes in the property market. The 2026 revaluation is based on rental values at the Government’s chosen valuation date and does not necessarily reflect the current rent you pay.
Does a higher rateable value mean my business rates will increase?
Not necessarily. Your business rates bill depends on several factors, including your rateable value, the business rates multiplier set by the Government and any reliefs or exemptions that apply to your business.
Does a higher rateable value mean my rent will increase?
No. Your rateable value is used to calculate business rates and is separate from the rent you pay your landlord. Your rent is determined by your lease agreement and the commercial property market.
Will my Hello Dorking BID levy change?
If your property is liable for the BID levy, the amount you pay may change because the levy is based on your property’s rateable value. The revaluation does not change the percentage charged by the BID; it simply updates the property values on which the levy is calculated.
How can I check my new rateable value?
You can search for your property on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website to view your current rateable value and property details.
What if I think my rateable value is wrong?
If you believe your valuation is inaccurate, you can use the Valuation Office Agency’s Check, Challenge, Appeal process. It’s worth gathering supporting evidence before submitting a challenge.
Are there any business rates reliefs available?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for reliefs such as:
- Small Business Rate Relief
- Charitable Rate Relief
- Rural Rate Relief (where applicable)
- Other Government support schemes
Your local council can advise which reliefs may apply to your business.
Why is my business rates bill different from my neighbour’s, even though our shops look similar?
Business rates are not based simply on how similar two properties look. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) assesses each property individually, taking into account factors such as its size, layout, location, frontage and the rental evidence available at the valuation date.
As a result, neighbouring properties can have different rateable values and business rates bills, even if they appear very similar from the outside.
If you’re unsure why your property’s rateable value differs from a nearby business, you can compare the information held by the VOA or contact them if you believe your valuation may be incorrect.
Is my rateable value based on footfall?
No. Footfall is not used directly to calculate a property’s rateable value.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) assesses a property’s rateable value based on the annual rent it could reasonably have achieved on the open market at the relevant valuation date, assuming certain standard conditions.
While footfall isn’t measured as part of the valuation, it can have an indirect influence. Properties in busy, popular locations often command higher rents because they benefit from greater passing trade. Those higher rental values may then be reflected in a higher rateable value.
Likewise, if an area experiences a long-term decline in demand, this may be reflected in lower rental values and therefore future revaluations.
In short, business rates are based on a property’s estimated rental value—not the number of people walking past your business each day.
Why are pubs valued differently for business rates?
Most shops and offices are valued by looking at the rent they could reasonably achieve on the open market.
Pubs are slightly different because the rent a pub can command is often linked to how well it is expected to trade. To reflect this, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) estimates the pub’s Fair Maintainable Trade (FMT)—the annual level of trade that a reasonably efficient operator could expect to achieve.
When assessing a pub, the VOA may consider factors such as:
- The pub’s location and catchment area
- The type of pub and the customers it serves
- Food and drink sales
- Income from accommodation (where applicable)
- Facilities such as beer gardens, function rooms or sports screenings
- Trading information and evidence from similar pubs
The VOA then uses this information, together with rental evidence from comparable licensed premises, to estimate the property’s annual rental value, which forms the basis of its rateable value.
This means that pubs are not valued solely on their floor area in the same way many shops are. Instead, the valuation reflects both the characteristics of the property and the level of trade a well-run pub could reasonably be expected to achieve.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my business rates bill?
For questions about your business rates bill, payments or available reliefs, contact Mole Valley District Council.
For questions about your property’s rateable value, contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
Can Hello Dorking reduce my business rates or change my rateable value?
No. Hello Dorking does not set business rates, determine rateable values or decide what businesses pay.
Rateable values are assessed independently by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), while business rates are billed and collected by Mole Valley District Council under national Government legislation.
However, Hello Dorking can help you understand the system, explain how the revaluation may affect your business, signpost you to the appropriate organisations and direct you to funding and business support that may help offset business costs or support future investment.
Still have questions?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact Hello Dorking. While we don’t set business rates or make decisions on valuations, we’re always happy to help explain the system and signpost you to the appropriate organisation or business support.
We also have a detailed article on the 2026 Rateable Value changes here.
