Business Rates - Reliefs and Exemptions

Occupied Properties

Occupied properties may be eligible for a reduction in the Business Rates.

Small Business Rate Relief

Mandatory Rate Relief for charities and sports clubs 

Mandatory Rural Rate Relief 

Discretionary Rate Relief

Part-occupied Relief (S44A Relief)

Hardship Relief

Town Centre Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme 

Unoccupied Properties

When a property becomes empty, there is no charge for the first three months, or six months in the case of industrial property. After the initial rate-free period has expired, the empty property will be charged 100% Business Rates.  There are certain exemptions from the empty charge PDF, 305.28 KB which include listed buildings and properties with a rateable value of less than £2,900.

Newly built empty property may qualify for up to 100% relief from Business Rates after the expiry of the three or six month initial period.  For more information about relief for newly built empty property please refer to the Newly Built Empty Property Relief Guidance. PDF, 215.98 KB The grant of relief is discretionary and subject to State Aid De Minimis limits.  For more information about State Aid please go to www.gov.uk/state-aid.