Rate relief

Charitable and discretionary relief

Charities are entitled to relief from rates on any non-domestic property that is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes. Relief is given at 80% of the bill. Local councils have discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill.

Authorities also have discretion to give relief on all or part of any rate bill for property occupied by certain non-profit making bodies. They can also consider giving rate relief in cases of hardship or where part of the property is beyond use for a certain period.

Rate relief for businesses in rural areas

Certain types of business in rural villages, with a population below 3000 may qualify for rate relief of 50%. Businesses that qualify for this relief are the sole general store and the sole post office in the village, provided it has a rateable value of up to £7,500, any food shop with a rateable value of up to £7,500, and the sole pub and sole petrol station in the village provided it has a rateable value of up to £10,500. Local councils have discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill on such property.

The local council may decide to give up to 100% relief to any other business in such a rural village, with a rateable value of up to £14,000, if it is satisfied that the business is of benefit to the community and having regard to the interests of its council tax payers.