Business Rates

Non-Domestic Rates, or business rates, are collected by local authorities, like Wealden for central government. Business rates mean businesses contribute towards the cost of providing local services, as the rates are pooled by central government and redistributed to local councils according to the number of people living in the area. Each non-domestic property has a rateable value set by valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The VOA is an agency of the Inland Revenue.

Increase in level of Small Business Rate Relief

In 2010 the Government increased the level of SBRR so that eligible ratepayers pay no rates on properties with rateable values up to £6,000, with a tapered relief between 100% and 0% for properties with rateable values between £6,001 and £12,000. This has been extended from 30 September 2011 to 30 September 2012.

There are no other adjustments to the scheme. For example, the eligibility criteria remain the same. The Government has confirmed that it will meet the costs of the increased levels of relief. There will be no changes to the multiplier so those businesses that do not fall within the eligibility criteria of the scheme will see no change in their bills.

The Government made this change to the SBRR scheme to provide help with the fixed costs of starting and running a small business. 

What do you need to do?

If you think that you meet the criteria, but have not submitted a claim for small business rate relief, you should contact us to see if you are entitled to support.

More information and useful contacts

The rates section in the local taxation office is the main source of information if ratepayers have any questions about their rate bill. Ratepayers will get contact details with their bill. If you would like further information please contact the business rates team using the contact details at the bootom of the page, quoting the reference on your business rates bill.

In addition the Office of the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), all the information you need on business rates is now available on the  Business Link website (external link). This website has links to the VOA and DCLG websites where you can get more detailed information.

The VOA (external link) has a wide range of information about a businesses rateable value. In many cases, you will be able to find a summary of how that valuation was decided on (a summary valuation) and an explanation of how the office decides to make valuations.

If your business is moving, you can tell us online:

• Tell Council Tax That You're Moving into Wealden  - where you are moving from outside the Wealden District into a property within the District
• Tell Council Tax That You're Moving Within Wealden - where your move is from one property to another both within the Wealden District
• Tell Council Tax That You're Moving Out Of Wealden - Where you are moving to a property out of the Wealden District

Small Business Rate Relief

From April 2010, small businesses with a rateable value of up to £18,000 may apply for small business rate relief.

Paying your business rates

Information about when and how to pay your business rates including online payments.

Online access to your accounts or claim by e-Citizen

e-Citizen is a way that you can get information online about your personal accounts, Benefit claims; Council Tax and Business Rates (Non Domestic) with the council.

Rateable Value and Appeals

Further information about how the rateable value for a non domestic property is calculated including details on how to appeal.

Empty Property Relief

If you have a vacant property you maybe exempt from paying rates.

Business Rates Relief

Information about rate relief for empty properties, charities, rural communities and farm diversification.

Transitional Arrangements

Information about the amount of business rates you pay after a re-valuation.