The start of 2026 marks an important point for the business rates sector. Following a period of change across the industry, attention is now firmly focused on the next phase of the rating cycle and the expectations it brings.
Over the past year, Inform completed its rebrand and continued to refine its focus on clarity, consistency and dependable data. As the sector enters 2026, those themes are becoming increasingly central to how rating data is managed and relied upon.
With the 2026 Draft Rating List now published, the Revaluation approaching and Duty to Notify continuing to reshape processes, organisations are operating in a landscape where accuracy, visibility and accountability matter more than ever.
The Draft Rating List provides the first view of proposed rateable values ahead of the live list taking effect on 1 April 2026. Based on rental evidence as at 1 April 2024, it allows organisations to compare the VOA’s position against their internal records and begin assessing potential impacts across their estates.
For teams managing multiple hereditaments, this early visibility is a critical stage. It is often where inconsistencies in floor areas, use types or occupation details become apparent. Even relatively small discrepancies can create uncertainty when repeated across a portfolio.
Structured and centralised data enables organisations to approach this stage with greater confidence, supporting clearer analysis and more informed internal discussions.
The 2026 Revaluation reflects a markedly different market from previous cycles. Changes in working patterns, sector performance and rental evidence mean that movements in rateable value are unlikely to be uniform across locations or asset types.
As a result, many organisations are focusing less on individual hereditaments in isolation and more on understanding portfolio-level exposure. This requires reliable datasets, the ability to track changes over time and clear audit trails that show how records and values have evolved.
Preparation at this stage is about building a robust foundation that supports ongoing review throughout the life of the list.
Alongside revaluation activity, Duty to Notify continues to influence how hereditament data is maintained. The requirement to inform the VOA of relevant changes places greater emphasis on keeping records current and being able to evidence when and how updates have been made.
For many organisations, this highlights the importance of having a single source of truth. Fragmented information spread across spreadsheets, emails or disconnected systems increases the risk of missed changes and makes compliance harder to demonstrate.
Clear processes, supported by structured systems, help ensure data remains consistent, traceable and ready to support both statutory obligations and internal governance.
As these changes converge, the role of technology becomes increasingly important. Inform’s software is designed to support agents, occupiers and estates teams in working with complex hereditament data in a structured and transparent way.
Our focus in 2026 is on ensuring users have access to accurate, timely information, clear portfolio visibility and dependable tools that support confident decision-making throughout the rating cycle. We continue to invest in our platforms to ensure they remain aligned with the evolving needs of the sector.
The year ahead will be defined by transition. The move from the Draft Rating List to the live 2026 Rating List, alongside the continued embedding of Duty to Notify, represents a step change in how business rates data is managed.
Preparedness, transparency and data integrity will be central to navigating this next phase. Inform looks forward to continuing to work closely with the industry as organisations adapt to these changes and build confidence in the accuracy and reliability of their rating data.
To learn more, visit our services page or call 0161 669 8165.
This article is for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
