DfE Update local authorities: 1 April 2026
Published 1 April 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-1-april-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-1-april-2026
1. Action: The national non-domestic rates claim form for 2026 to 2027 for local authorities who are also billing authorities is now open
The national non-domestic rates (NNDR) claim form for 2026 to 2027 is now open for claims.
The submission deadline for local authorities who are also billing authorities to submit their claims are as follows:
- initial claims on or before 5pm Friday 22 May 2026
- in year adjustments and additional claims on or before Friday 11 September 2026
- final adjustments and additional claims on or before 5pm Tuesday 2 February 2027
We recommend you read the NNDR for billing authorities form guidance before completing your form. The guidance details how to claim for NNDR and provides help to access and complete your claim form.
You can read more about the central payment process in the national non-domestic rates operational guidance for billing authorities.
If you have any questions about the NNDR process or how to complete the online form, you can contact us via the Customer Help Portal.
2. Information: Fraudulent letter – DfE “National Regulatory Notice”
We have been made aware that some academy trusts have received a letter presented as a DfE “National Regulatory Notice”. It includes a ministerial signature and claims there has been a data breach involving Online SCR / Intradev.
This letter is confirmed as fraudulent and has not been issued by the minister’s office.
All schools must not:
- follow any instructions in the letter
- share data or comply with the directions
All schools must:
- ensure senior leaders, governance leads and administrative teams are aware
- report any receipt of the letter to your usual DfE contact or contact the DfE through GOV.UK
If anyone has already acted on the letter, notify your school’s IT or security lead. You should also report it through your usual process and monitor systems for unusual activity.
You can report fraud in the education sector or sign up for alerts through the DfE reporting service. For further information, read our counter fraud guidance.