Non-domestic rates (often called business rates) are the way in which businesses and other occupiers of non-domestic property contribute towards the costs of local authority services.
The occupier of a non-domestic property pays the business rates - usually this is the owner-occupier or leaseholder.
Business rate relief
For details of the different types of rate relief, including small business, retail relief, hardship, charities, empty and part occupied properties visit the rate relief section.
Receive your bill electronically
You can choose to receive your bill electronically by choosing one of these options:
- Signing up for an online business rates account. Your bill will be viewable within your account.
- Signing up for e-billing where you bill is sent to you via an email. You can sign up for e-billing or change your current email address registered by sending us a request via our dedicated online ebilling form Please quote your full name, address and your business rates account reference number on the form.
By choosing one of these options you will no longer receive a paper bill in the post. You can opt out of electronic billing at anytime by completing the business rates enquiry form to request this, and we will revert you back to paper billing again.
Paying business rates
Non-domestic rates explanatory notes
Contact us
- Telephone 01926 456760
- Business rates enquiry form
- Sign up for an online account to check your business rates account
Rating agents
You do not need to use a rating agent and can contact us directly to discuss your business rates bills and apply for any reliefs and can manage your details with the Valuation Office via their online Business Rates Valuation Account. If you do decide to use a rating agent please be wary of rogue business rates agents.
Business rates - who does what
There are four key organisations involved in local government finance and each has a separate responsibility, these are:
- Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - responsible for setting the overall government policy on local taxation for more information.
- Valuation Office Agency - assesses rateable values that are the basis for working out business rates bills.
- Valuation Tribunal Service - an independent, judicial body that has the power to deal with appeals relating to non-domestic rating (and council tax).
- Local (billing) Authorities - who are responsible for working out your business rates bill, giving any reliefs that may be due and for collecting the money.
Business Rates privacy notice