Business rates and relief schemes
Business rates are collected by the Council and are used to help pay for local services provided by the Council. They are charged on most non-domestic properties including shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories.
All rateable values are reassessed at a general revaluation. The most recent revaluation took effect from 1st April 2017.
Find out the many different ways you can pay your Business Rates bill.
What to do if you suspect someone is receiving a reduction in their Business Rates bill because they are providing false information.
You may be able to get business rates relief. You will need to apply directly for a number of the relief schemes that are available including: small business rate relief; rural rate relief; and charitable rate relief.
Since March 2017 the government has announced new relief schemes: Supporting Small Businesses, New Discretionary Relief Scheme, New Business Rate Relief Scheme for Pubs, and Retail Discount Scheme.
New Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG)
On 21 December 2021, the Government announced the introduction of grant support for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in England.
Businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises in recognition that the rise of the Omicron variant means that some businesses are likely to struggle over the coming weeks. You can find out more and apply for the new scheme by visiting our Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) page. The application closing date is 14 February 2022.
Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) Top-Up
The government also announced a third ARG top-up payment and have asked Local Authorities to prioritise businesses severely impacted by the rise of the Omicron variant, including businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors not eligible for the OHLG. The Council is currently working on revising its existing ARG scheme and will provide updates for businesses here.
COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF)
Ministers have set out plans to provide historical relief in respect of 2021/22 business rates bills for businesses affected by the pandemic but that have been ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.
The Council is now waiting for clarity on the guidance before it can set a scheme. You can read about the Government's Business Rates relief fund and CARF for more information.