Business Rates in Tower Hamlets
Businesses in Tower Hamlets paid £419.1m in net business rates during 2025-26, above the average English council's £93.2m.
Net rates income (2025-26)
£419.1m
Total relief granted
£99.8m
Small Business Rate Relief
£14.9m
Retail, hospitality & leisure relief
£24.6m
Active businesses (2025)
17,225
Small Business Rate Relief
£14.9m — Automatic relief for the smallest ratepayers, based on rateable value.
15%
Charity relief
£30.6m — Mandatory 80% relief for registered charities.
31%
Retail, hospitality & leisure relief
£24.6m — Extra support for shops, pubs, and hospitality venues.
25%
Empty property relief
£26.4m — Short-term relief for vacant commercial premises.
26%
Tower Hamlets granted £99.8m in relief overall, higher than the national council average of £26.3m. This included £14.9m in Small Business Rate Relief and £24.6m in retail, hospitality and leisure relief.
A further £30.6m went to charity relief and £26.4m to empty property relief, reflecting the mix of ratepayers across the local authority.
Tower Hamlets has an estimated 17,225 active businesses, according to the latest ONS Business Counts (2025).
Tower Hamlets ranks 34 out of 296 local authorities in England on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, where 1 is most deprived and 296 is least deprived.
FAQ's
How much are business rates in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets's local authority collected £419.1m in net business rates income during 2025-26, based on the national multiplier applied to each property's rateable value, less any relief granted.
What reliefs are available in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets granted £99.8m in business rates relief in 2025-26, including £14.9m in Small Business Rate Relief, £24.6m in retail, hospitality and leisure relief, £30.6m in charity relief, and £26.4m in empty property relief.
How do I know if I'm overpaying?
If your rateable value looks high compared to similar properties nearby, or you're not currently receiving relief you may be entitled to, it's worth checking your assessment. Check your bill for free
Figures from MHCLG National Non-Domestic Rates statistics (2025-26), ONS UK Business Counts (2025), and English Indices of Deprivation (2025).