Online Business Rate forms
Check or update your Non-Domestic Rates account
Help with Business Rates
Deferral Scheme 2012/13
The Government has put in place a Business Rates deferral scheme which gives ratepayers the option of spreading the Retail Price Index increase in their 2012-13 rates bill over two years. This is to help businesses/organisations manage their cash flow during the current difficult economic climate. The amount that can be deferred is 3.2% of the rates charge payable for 2012-13, as shown on the bill - this is equivalent to 60% of the Retail price Index increase. The total amount deferred will then need to be paid over the next two years, i.e. 2013-14 and 2014-15. Please see the link at the bottom of this page for further information and an application form.
Small Business Rates Relief
The generous level of relief has been further extended to 31st March 2013. Please see the link at the bottom of this page for an application form..
What is National Non-Domestic Rate?
The National Non-Domestic Rate, or Business Rate as it is commonly called, is a national tax on businesses to help finance the cost of local services.
It was introduced in April 1990 as a replacement for locally set general rates, and the money collected from businesses is paid into a central pool maintained by the Government.
How money is used
This money is then redistributed through Government grants to bodies like the fire and police authorities and to local councils.
This method ensures that areas with relatively few businesses or where property values are generally low are not disadvantaged.
- The business rate bill is based on the rateable value of each property, which has a multiplier applied to it.
- The rateable value is decided by the Valuation Office Agency (which is part of Her Majesty's Revenues and Customs), and the Government fixes the multiplier each year. By law, this multiplier cannot rise by more than the amount of the increase in the Retail Price Index.
- From 2005/06 there are two multipliers; the standard one for 2012/13 is 45.8 pence in the pound, and the small business multiplier for 2012/13 is 45.0 pence in the pound.
- Although the City Council collects the Business Rate the decision on how much you have to pay is outside its control. The rateable value is decided by the Valuation Office Agency, and the Government sets the multiplier.
All businesses are sent an annual bill in March for the financial year that begins on 1st April, which is payable by instalments. There are various reductions in charge available, and these are explained in the following pages.
The Government has also set up a website at business Link where you can find more information. The site is a partnership between the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and is aimed at the smaller, independent ratepayer.
