Guide to business rates

Business rates are how businesses contribute towards the cost of local services. 

We send out business rates bills in March each year. 

If you occupy any business premises in the borough, you’re liable to pay the business rates on it. The business could be: 

• one person
• a partnership
• a limited company
• a club or another organisation 

Exemptions 

Some types of property are exempt from business rates, and these are listed on the GOV.UK website. 

Read the full list of exempt properties 

Rate relief or discounts 

In some cases you may be eligible for a discount on your business rates bill. 

There are different discounts and relief you can apply for. 

• If you occupy a property with a rateable value of less than £15,000, you may be entitled to small business rates relief
• If you use your property for charitable purposes, or if you're a non-profit making organisation, you may be entitled to charitable business rates relief
• If your sports club is registered with HMRC, you can claim community amateur sports club business rates relief
• If your property is empty or partly occupied for a short time, you may be entitled to empty property business rates relief