Your Business Rate Bill
Before the start of each financial year the Council will
send a business rates bill to everyone who the Council
has on record as being responsible for paying a non-domestic
rate. This bill will show the net amount due after any
reductions you may be entitled to. Details of possible
reductions can be found on the reducing your rates bill page.
You can pay your bill annually, six monthly or by 10 monthly
instalments, and you will be given at least 14 days notice before
the first payment is due.
If you choose to pay by Direct Debit you have a choice of
three instalment dates, 1st, 15th or 25th of the month and the
option to pay in 10 or 12 monthly instalments.
If you disagree with the bill, please contact us to discuss, giving
your reasons. If you disagree because of a change in
liability the Council will issue an amended bill ,
usually within 14 days of receiving the new information. If
you disagree because of a valuation matter you must follow the
appeals procedure to take your complaint to the Valuation Tribunal. While you are
following this procedure, you will still be expected to pay the
instalments when they are due.
How are Business Rates calculated?
Business rates payable on each property are based on the
rateable value of that property. Rateable values are assessed at
five yearly intervals. The valuation officer of the Valuation Office Agency sets the
rateable value for each business property.
This rateable value is multiplied by a multiplier (expressed as a
poundage) which is set by the government each year to determine the
amount of business rates you have to pay. For 2012/13 the
multiplier is £0.450, but if your assessment does not qualify
as a small business there is an additional charge of £0.008
increasing the multiplier to £0.458. (In 2011/12 the multiplier was
£0.426, with an additional charge of £0.007 increasing the
multiplier to £0.433).
The Council then calculate whether your assessment is subject
to transitional phasing, and any reliefs and exemptions that you
may be entitled to.