Business rates relief

1. Overview

Some properties are eligible for discounts on their business rates. This is called ‘business rates relief’.

Rates relief is handled differently in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Your local council will automatically apply some reliefs. Contact your local council if you’re not getting the discounts you think you’re entitled to.

You must apply for:

• small business rate relief
• rural rate relief
• charitable rate relief
• enterprise zone relief
• retail relief

Some local councils provide an additional hardship relief if your business meets certain criteria.

The business rate deferral scheme has now closed.

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Last updated: 21 January 2015