Revaluation of Business Rates Relief

Revaluation relief is for businesses facing large increases in their rates bill because of revaluation of their property from 1 April 2017. We determine the scheme. Our scheme compares the net rates bill for 2016-2017 to the net rates bill for 2017-2018.

Revaluation of business rates relief scheme

This is a four-year scheme aimed at ratepayers facing large increases in their rates bill because of revaluation of properties for the 2017 Rating List. In 2017-2018, we established eligibility for relief. Relief for the next three years is available to properties receiving relief at 31 March. This is in the previous financial year. After 31 March 2021, there is no relief.

To be eligible for relief, you must meet all six conditions:

• The property must have a rateable value of between £20,000 and £200,000.
• You must occupy or have occupied the property at 31 March 2017.
• The rates bill must have increased when comparing the net daily liability at 31 March 2017 with the net daily liability at 1 April 2017 by:
  • At least 7.5% for properties with a rateable value of between £20,000 and £99,999;or
  • At least 15% for properties with a rateable value of between £100,000 and £200,000.
• A precepting body or other funded organisation must not occupy the property.
• The ratepayer must not be a Charity or other organisation receiving mandatory rate relief.
• A business with many premises on a national or regional basis do not occupy the premises. We award relief in 2017-2018 at 100% of the amount above the 7.5% or 15% increase referred to above. In later years, the amount of relief awarded will be:
  • 2018-2019: 50% of the relief awarded in 2017-2018;
  • 2019-2020: 20% of the relief awarded in 2017-2018;
  • 2020-2021: 2.5% of the relief awarded in 2017-2018.

We may review the scheme before the end of each financial year if funding remains unallocated.

Application Process

You do not need to make an application. A ratepayer facing a large increase, who does not fall within criteria set out, may make an application. This application for relief is on the grounds of exceptional circumstances.

Recalculation of Relief

If the rateable value of the property increases, we do not award more relief. Reductions in rateable value will result in a re-calculation of relief.

Ending of Relief

Relief will stop if:

• The premises become vacant; or
• The rateable value reduces to below £20,000. This is from the date the Rateable value reduces.

Appeals

The Human Resources and Appeals Committee will hear any appeal under this scheme.