If you own a business, you may have to pay business rates (or NNDR which stands for national non-domestic rates).
Although we collect business rates, the amount local businesses pay is set by central government.
Under the business rate retention scheme (introduced 1 April 2013), we now keep a portion of the rates paid by local businesses. This is used to help support local services. We pass the rest to central government.
How are business rates calculated
Every business is given a rateable value which is based on the size of the premises and the type of business - find your rateable value.
Rateable values are set by the The Valuation Office Agency, which is an agency of HM Revenue and Customs and not by the council.
A property's rateable value is an assessment of the annual rent the property would rent for if it were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date. Rateable values are reviewed on a periodic basis by the VOA - find out about the latest revaluation.
We work out the business rates bill by multiplying the rateable value of the property a multiplier that is set by government - find out more about the latest multipliers.
Reliefs, discounts and exemptions
Once the base bill has been calculated, we then apply any relevant transitional relief, other reliefs and exemptions the business may be eligible to arrive at the final bill.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, find out what to do.
Find out more
To find out more visit the Valuation Office Agency's website and read the introduction to business rates.
You can find further information about the business rates system using the links below, by visiting the gov.uk website or by reading the business rates explanatory notes.
