You can manage your account online.
You can find out how much you will have to pay using our rateable values search. You can pay by Direct Debit or using our secure payment system.
Business Rates Direct Debit form
Multipliers are set by central government and for 2019/20 are:
The higher rate is used for business premises that are unoccupied and subject to pay rates.
See the Gov.uk website if you think you are paying more than you should. Gov.uk also has information on which properties should be exempt and whether you could get rates relief.
If you think you qualify for Discretionary Rate Relief you should read our guidance and complete our Application for charitable discretionary rate relief (Word version – application for charitable rate relief).
Complete our online form if your address changes.
If you miss a payment or pay late, we send a reminder giving you seven days. If you continue to miss payments, you could get a court summons and lose your right to pay by instalments. You will have to pay any costs we incur recovering the money.
The most recent revaluation came into effect in England and Wales on 1 April 2010, based on open market rental values from 1 April 2008. The next revaluations will come into force in 2017 in England, Scotland and Wales. The revaluation will have effect from 1 April 2017, based on open market rental values from 1 April 2015.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly reassess and update the rateable values of all business properties; usually every five years. This is called a Revaluation.
A revaluation is done to maintain fairness in the system by redistributing the total amount payable in business rates and by reflecting changes in the property market. Revaluation does not raise extra revenue overall.
For more information on the 2017 Revaluation, rateable values, and business rates visit https://www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates
You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief that may apply.
If a property is used for both domestic and non-domestic purposes, we charge Council Tax and Business Rates. If you work from home, we may charge Business Rates for the part of the property you use for work. You will still have to pay Council Tax on the rest of the property. Please contact the Valuation Office Agency on 03000501501 or ratingsoutheast@voa.gsi.gov.uk for further information.
The following are exempt from Business Rates:
Business rates could be reduced if:
If you think your rateable value is wrong or that your property should be exempt, download an appeal form from Valuation Office Agency website. You must keep up with payments while during the appeal process.