In general, business rates are payable on most commercial property, such as shops, offices, restaurants, public houses, warehouses and factories. Self-catering accommodation, such as a holiday home, is also liable to pay business rates, if you intend to make it available for commercial letting to short stay guests for 140 days or more in a year.

There are certain types of businesses which are not rateable, for instance sewers, farm land and buildings, churches, public parks, and moveable moorings.

How your bill is calculated

Bills are calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property by a national figure. This multiplier is fixed annually by the government and cannot rise more than the rate of inflation except in a revaluation year.

For 2011/12 there are two multipliers: the standard rating multiplier of 43.3 pence in the pound and the small business rating multiplier of 42.6 pence in the pound. The standard multiplier is higher to pay for small business rate relief.

Rateable values are re-assessed every five years and the next revaluation comes into effect on 1 April 2010. Rateable values are fixed by the Valuation Office Agency, part of HM Revenue and Customs.

The rateable value of a non-domestic property reflects the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date.

The Rating List shows all business properties in the council's area. You can view this on the Valuation Office Agency's website or at the City Finance Centre. The council is not responsible for the content or reliability of external websites.

2010 Revaluation - Transitional Relief Scheme

Following a revaluation, special transitional arrangements are put in place to phase in significant increases or decreases in rates bills. These set limits on the percentage by which your rates bill can change each year.

The last transitional relief scheme, introduced in 2005, was designed to operate over a four year period and came to an end on 31 March 2009.

New transitional arrangements come into effect on 1 April 2010 which will phase in any significant increases or decreases in your rates bill over the next five years.

Any transitional relief you are entitled to is automatically shown on your rates bill - you do not have to apply for it.

The transitional arrangements do not cover increases from inflation or changes in the rateable value because of change to the property, for example an extension.

The tables show the set limits on the percentage by which your rates bill can increase or decrease each year, prior to inflation.

Limits on the percentage by which your rates bill can increase

Limits on the percentage by which your rates bill can decrease

Moving, expanding or closing down

You must let us know if you move business premises, cease trading or take over additional premises. The Valuation Officer may need to assess the premises before we can calculate a correct bill.

We will recalculate your bill(s) based on the amount of time you spend at the premises and will send a revised bill. If you have overpaid and are entitled to a refund, we will arrange for your refund to be processed and sent to you.

What happens if your rateable value changes

The Valuation Officer may amend a rateable value for a number of reasons, such as a change in the size of the premises, or as a result of a successful appeal.

Following the change the Valuation Officer will contact us. We will then send you a revised bill. Any overpayment will be refunded and interest may be paid as a result of the change.

More information on Transitional Relief arrangements is available from us.