Reducing your rates bill

There are various ways to reduce your bill. Please see the list below for information on specific reliefs available.

For more general information, please visit the 'information for businesses' page.

Transitional relief

Transitional relief is an adjustment to the bill where rates increase significantly following a revaluation in order to phase in the change gradually.  Unfortunately this works the opposite way if rateable values decrease significantly.  In this situation,a transitional surcharge can apply.  Transitional relief is automatically calculated - there is no need to make an application.

Mandatory and discretionary relief

Mandatory and discretionary relief are reductions to business rates for a property occupied by a registered charity or by a non-profit making organisation.    

Other types of relief:

• Small Business Rate Relief
• Empty Property Rates
• Rural Rate Relief 
• Hardship Relief
• Deferral Scheme

Employing a business rates advisor?

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued a fact sheet to help ensure businesses are not caught out by ‘professionals’, who offer help to reduce business rates bills but end up charging more in fees than they’ve saved.  Some less scrupulous rating agents even claim to be working on behalf of the VOA to confuse business owners and drum up trade under false pretences. For further information, a Valuation Office Agency information document is available.