Business Rates
Non-domestic rates (Business Rates) are charged on all non-domestic properties according to the rateable value of the property. Although the Council collects this, the money goes to the government which re-distributes it in proportion to the adult population of an area.
Business rates are how users of non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of providing council services in the area, but rates are not a direct payment for services received.
Further information is available on pages 35-38 of the Council Tax leaflet 2012/13 which you can access from the Related Information box as an e-leaflet or from the Linked Documents box on the right of this page in a different format.
Who has to pay the rates?
Rates are normally paid by the occupier of non-domestic property – usually this is the owner-occupier or leaseholder. If the property is empty, the owner or leaseholder will be liable.
To notify us of a change of address you can use the blue button at the top of this page called Report Change of Business Address or use the links in the Related Information section; Business Rate Occupation form and Business Rate Vacation Form. Alternatively you can download a Change of Address form from the Linked Documents box.
How much will you have to pay?
Every non-domestic property has a rateable value unless it is exempt from rating, for example, places of religious worship and agricultural buildings.
The Council calculates your rate bill by multiplying your rateable value by the multiplier set each year by the government.
For 2012/13, the multiplier is set at 45.8p so if your rateable value is £20,000, the Council would multiply this by 45.8p and the bill for the year would be £9160.00. This amount could be reduced by any transitional or other relief's you may be entitled to.
If you are entitled to Small Business Rate Relief then the multiplier applicable for 2012/13 is 45.0p.
See the Rate Reductions and Reliefs page for further information.
The non-domestic rating multiplier
The multiplier changes in line with inflation. This is so the amount collected in rates stays the same each year and the government can finance the same level of service from local councils. The multiplier for the financial year 2012/13 is 45.8p.
Deferral Scheme
Details on the Deferral Scheme can be found on the Rate Reductions and Relief page.
Direct Debit Payments
Payment by Direct Debit is the most convenient and cost effective method for paying your Business Rate bill and approximately 70% of our customers choose to pay by this method.
If only one signature is required on the instruction you can ring us on 01480 388030 with your bank details ready or use the Apply for Business Rates Direct Debit button above and return it to us today.
Your reference number must be quoted when returning the form to this office. This is shown in the black box on the top right hand corner of your bill and is a seven digit number starting with a 2 or 3.
We also have an online payments service that can be accessed from the Pay Business Rates button above or from the Online Payments option in the Related Information box on the right of this page.
If you require any assistance in obtaining your reference number please call us on 01480 388030.
Further details of all methods of payments available can be found using the payments link in our related information or by using the How to Pay Business Rates button above.
Business Link
The Valuation Office and the Department of Communities & Local Government have developed a website called Business Link and the link can be found in the external links box on the right-hand side of this page.
The site is designed to bring together all the information on business rates, that ratepayers might want, in one place. It is also designed to be in an easily accessible format and in jargon-free, everyday language.
** Don't delay - Pay today**
You can pay 24/7 online using the Online Payments link in the Related Information box or by using the automated payment line 01480 388165.
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