Annual Non Domestic Rates Demand Notices relating to 2008/09 were issued on Tuesday 11 March 2008 showing the new charge (including the changes to Empty Property Relief).
If you have any queries regarding you bill or have not received it or want to discuss a payment arrangement please contact the Non Domestic Rates Section on 01773 841444.
Introduction :
The national non-domestic rating system was introduced in 1990, to replace locally set general rates. This was accompanied by a revaluation from 1 April 1995, 1 April 2000 and 1 April 2005. The income from all non-domestic rates is paid into a national pool and redistributed between authorities in proportion to their adult population.
This means that areas with relatively few businesses, or where property values are generally low, are not disadvantaged.All businesses benefit from the services that local authorities provide. Some services are of direct benefit to businesses, for instance roads, the police and the fire brigade. Others, such as education and housing, are of indirect but nevertheless a real benefit. Non-domestic rates - or business rates as they are often known - are the way the users of non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of providing those services.
The intention of this guide is to give an overview of the rating system, the most frequently asked questions of the non-domestic rates section, and how you can, if necessary, challenge your rateable value. It is intended to give a helpful outline of business rates but it should not be regarded as a complete guide to the law.
