Reducing your Business Rates bill

There are a number of ways in which a business rates bill can be reduced. Broadly, these reductions fall into one of two categories:

1. Reductions granted in line with government legislation
2. Reductions awarded at the discretion of the Council

For more information, click on the links for the web pages right:

Charitable and discretionary relief

Charities are entitled to relief from rates on any non-domestic property which is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes. Relief is given at 80% of the full rate bill or of the transitional bill where the transitional arrangements apply. Registered Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) are entitled to 80% relief where the property is occupied by the charity or club, and is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes or as a registered CASC.

Billing authorities have discretion to give further relief on all or part of any rate bill in respect of the remaining 20% of a charity or CASC's bill on such property.

Your Right of Appeal

If you think we have made an error either as to the facts or interpretation of the law you should contact the Business Rates team in order that the matter may be resolved.

If the matter cannot be resolved locally, then the matter may be referred to the Valuation Tribunal for a decision.

Where relief is awarded at the discretion of the Council, the only legal challenge would be by bringing an action in the High Court for judicial review arguing that the Council had exceeded its powers.