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.
Please note that business rates do not cover collections of business waste. This must be paid for separately either through our commercial waste department or another registered waste carrier.
Business rates deferral scheme
Regulations came into force on 31 July 2009 enabling businesses to defer payment of 60% of the increase in their business rates bill until 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.
More information can be found on a leaflet issued by the Dept. Communities and Local Government. This has been sent to businesses with an application form and accompanying letter.
To help you, two examples have been set out to show how the changes could affect you:
Example 1
Rate liability for 2008/09 £10,000
Rate liability for 2009/10 £11,000
This is an increase of 10%.
In this case 60% of the increase (£600) can be deferred for two years whilst the first 40% (£400) is payable during 2009/10.
Example 2
Rate liability for 2008/09 £2,500
Rate liability for 2009/10 £2,625
This is an increase of 5%.
In this case 60% of the increase (£75) can be deferred for two years whilst the first 40% increase (£50) is payable during 2009/10.
You do not have to defer payment of your business rates but if you wish to you MUST complete and return an application form. Your application must be received before 31 March 2010. Until you receive your amended bill you must keep paying at the current rate which is set out in your 2009/10 rate demand.
From the financial year 2005/06 there have been significant changes to the business rate. Highlights of some of the changes are;
- Revaluation Links through to Valuation Office Revaluation 2010 factsheet
If your business is moving you can tell us online....
Whether your business is moving into, away from or within the Council's District you can tell us by completing an online form.
Small business rate relief
From April 2005, small businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000 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.
Small business rate relief
From April 2005, small businesses with a rateable value of up to £15,000 may apply for small business rate relief.Rateable Values & Appeals
Further information about how the rateable value for a non domestic property is calculated including details on how to appeal.
Empty Property relief - Important changes from 1 April 2008
If you have a vacant property you maybe exempt from paying rates.
Rate 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.
Performance & Standards
