What Is It?

Business Rates is a property based charge that is necessary to raise income to contribute towards the cost of providing local services. The Business Rates we collect are paid into a national pool, which is then shared out to all Local Authorities. The Council's share, together with income from the Council Tax and grant provided by Central Government, is used to pay for the services it provides.

Who Pays It?

The occupier of a business premises usually pays it. If nobody is occupying the premises, the owner or leaseholder will usually be responsible. The person responsible for paying Business Rates is often referred to as the "Ratepayer."

Who Decides How Much It Will Cost?

The Government sets the national non-domestic rating multiplier (or poundage) each year which, except in a revaluation year, cannot rise by more than the rate of inflation. This poundage is multiplied by the rateable value of the property to produce the annual Business Rates bill.

From 1st April 2005 there are two multipliers; the standard non-domestic rating multiplier and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier. The former is higher to pay for small business rate relief.

The standard multiplier for the year 2007/2008 is 44.4p and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier is 44.1p.

Further details about rating multipliers are available from the Council's Business Rates Section or from the website of the Office of the Department For Communities and Local Government  (external link)