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 2007/08 there are two multipliers: the standard rating multiplier of 44.4 pence in the pound and the small business rating multiplier of 44.1 pence in the pound. The standard multiplier is higher to pay for small business rate relief. 

The revaluation of non-domestic properties is undertaken every five years. 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. This revaluation was last done on 1 April 2005.

The Rating List showing 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.

Moving, expanding or closing down

You must let us know of 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.

Transitional relief schemes

Government has introduced Transitional relief schemes to address the changing rental values of properties. These schemes limit the amount Business Rate bills can go up or down following a revaluation to help stabilise the effect of change on the business community.

If your property is eligible for transitional relief the details will be included on your bill.

More information on Transitional Relief arrangements is available from us.