Business Rates and Rates Relief schemes

Small Business Rate Relief - If your Rateable Value is less than £12,000

If you have only one property and the rateable value does not exceed £12,000, you will receive a reduction in your rates bill.

A property with a rateable value of £6,000 or under will receive 100% relief. For properties above this the relief will be calculated on a sliding scale.

An application for Small Business Rate Relief is not required. Where a ratepayer meets the eligibility criteria and has not received the relief they should contact the local authority.

Charity and Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Relief

Charities and registered CASCs are entitled to 80% relief where the property is occupied by the charity or the CASC. Discretionary relief can be applied for the remaining 20%.

Retail Relief

The Government is giving funding to local authorities so they can provide a discount worth up to £1,000 a year in both 2014-15 and 2015-16 to retail premises with a rateable value of up to £50,000. This will provide support to premises including pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops.

An application form is not required. Where a ratepayer meets the eligibility criteria and has not received the relief they should contact the local authority. If required see http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/businesssupportandadvice/businessrates/businessretailrelief.htm. Note VOA (Valuation Office Agency) decides if a business premises is in the category of retail etc. Should you request a change and a revaluation is undertaken, non domestic rates could increase or decrease.

Hardship Relief

The local authority has discretion to give hardship relief in specific circumstances. The business should demonstrate their value to the community and provide trading accounts. An application form can be requested.

Rate Relief for businesses in rural areas

Certain types of properties in a rural settlement with a population below 3,000 may be entitled to relief. The property must be the only general store, the only post office or a food shop and have a rateable value of less than £8,500, or the only public house or the only petrol station and have a rateable value of less than £12,500. This council awards 100% relief to qualifying properties.