Business rates

Coronavirus update - support for businesses

Central government has issued information about a range of measures to help businesses including business rates discounts, statutory sick pay refunds, a business loan scheme, cash grants for small businesses and ‘time to pay’ tax arrangements. Find out more about coronavirus support

Business Rates relief and reductions

If you pay business rates, you may be eligible for rate relief. There are several options available.

Empty properties

Empty properties are exempt from business rates for three months after they become vacant, or six months for industrial premises. 

Non-profit and charities

Types of rate relief for non-profit organisations and charity or amateur community sports clubs.

Small business rate relief

Businesses with rateable values below £51,000 will be calculated using the lower multiplier.

Supporting small businesses relief

This scheme helps small businesses facing increased rate bills following the 2017 re-evaluation.

Local newspapers relief

From 1st April 2017 a discount on the rates for office space occupied by local newspapers will be give for two years.

Transitional relief scheme

This scheme limits the impact of large increases or decreases in rateable value following the 2017 revaluation.

Hardship relief  

We have the power to reduce or remit the amount a business ratepayer is liable to pay.

Retail discount

The government has temporarily expanded the retail discount for eligible retail businesses.

Nursery relief

The government has temporarily expanded the nursery relief for eligible businesses.