Business rates

Business rates are payable on all occupied and some unoccupied business premises within North Somerset.

Every business or non-domestic property is awarded a "rateable value" by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). North Somerset Council, as a local authority, uses this rateable value to calculate business rates liability. The occupier of a business property would be liable to pay rates. If a property was empty; the rates liability would fall to the owner or leaseholder.

If you have a query or wish to appeal against your rateable value contact the VOA on 03000 505 150 or visit their website. Please note however, that rates are payable pending any query or appeal.

Also known as national non-domestic rates, North Somerset Council collects business rates on behalf of the Government's Communities and Local Government (CLG) department and pays them into the central rating pool. Each local authority receives a payment from the pool which is generally calculated based on the number of Council Tax Band "D" properties in its area. This money helps towards the cost of local council services.

Depending on your circumstances and nature of your business you may be entitled to relief. The amount of small business relief has temporarily increased with effect from 1 October 2010.

Small business rate relief scheme

Eligible ratepayers with a rateable value of £6,000 or below receive 50% relief. Between 1 October 2010 and 31 March 2013, eligible ratepayers will receive small business rate relief at 100% rather than 50%. Ratepayers also have their rate liability calculated using the small business non-domestic rating multiplier.
Eligible ratepayers with a rateable value between £6,001 and £12,000 receive relief on a sliding scale. Therefore, for properties with rateable values between £6,001 and £12,000, relief will be available on a sliding scale from 50% to 0%, where every £120 rateable value equates to approximately 1%. Between 1 October 2010 and 31 March 2013, eligible ratepayers will receive a tapering relief from 100 per cent to 0 per cent for properties up to £12,000 in rateable value for that period. Ratepayers also have their rate liability calculated using the small business non-domestic rating multiplier.
Eligible ratepayers with a rateable value between £12,000 and £17,999 currently have their rates liability calculated using the small business non-domestic rating multiplier.
Additional properties with a rateable value below £2,600, or empty properties are currently disregarded in considering entitlement to small business rate relief.

Rural rate relief

The current rateable value threshold is £8,500 for a sole general store or post office, or for a food shop.
The current rateable value threshold is £12,500 for a sole petrol filling station or pub.
The current threshold for discretionary relief is £16,500.

For more information visit the Gov.uk website.

For an application form and further details contact North Somerset Council Rates’ Helpline on 01934 888 143.