Business Rates: Reductions and Relief
There are a number of different circumstances in which business rate reductions or relief apply.
Unoccupied property rating
In general, there will be no business rates to pay for the first three months after a property becomes empty, as long as it has been previously occupied for a minimum of seven weeks and one day. After that, an empty property rate is of 50% of the occupied charge will be payable. Industrial buildings, listed buildings and small properties with rateable values of less than £1900, pay no empty property rates even after the first three months have expired.
Small Business Rate Relief
On 1 April 2005, a new small business rate relief was introduced by central government. This entitles anyone occupying a property with a rateable value of up to £21,500 to relief on their bill. If you wish to apply please fill in and return the Small Business Rate Relief form.
Charitable and discretionary relief
Charities are entitled to relief from rates on any non-domestic property that is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes. Relief is given at 80% of the bill. Local councils have discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill.
Authorities also have discretion to give relief on all or part of any rate bill for property occupied by certain non-profit making bodies. They can also consider giving rate relief in cases of hardship or where part of a property is beyond use for a certain period.
Rating advisers
Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. Appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge. However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuations are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct. Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.