Business rates

About business rates

Business rates relief - update 7 March 2025

At the Autumn Statement on 30 October 2024, the Chancellor announced the extension of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme to the year 2025/26. Occupied business rated properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sector will receive 40% relief for the year 2025/26, up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business.

To find out more, visit our 2025/26 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme page.

Business rates are taxes paid on business properties. Use our online form to register a new business.

Business Rates Tax - Voice messages and Texts

Sometimes the Council will use an automated phone and text service to contact business rates customers about their accounts - outbound calls will come from 01493 236114, 01493 236128, 01493 236006 or 01493 236151. Find out how the Council is using this technology to improve communication with our customers.

Small Business Rates Relief Review (SBRR)

We are undertaking a review of business rated properties that are in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR). This is to ensure that the correct amount of relief is being awarded when calculating the business rates liabilities of our business rates customers.

Customers receiving SBRR will be asked by email to complete an online form confirming their entitlement to the relief. If we do not have your email address, then we will write to you by letter.

You can find further information and apply via our SBRR new application form.

This form is only to be used if you have been contacted by us regarding an existing Small Business Rate Relief award. If you are applying for SBRR for the first time then please use the Small Business Rates relief form.