The Local Government Finance Act 1988 permits discretionary relief to be awarded on the basis of hardship, with consideration to the interest of local Council Tax payers.
Hardship is not limited to financial hardship. Relief may be granted where a ratepayer would sustain hardship if the relief was not granted, and it is reasonable to do so.
Application considerations
Applications for hardship relief may be considered from ratepayers whose business are at risk of ceasing to trade and this would have a detrimental effect on the local community, which could include local employment.
How to apply
Your application must include:
- details of the reason for an application, including evidence of any exceptional circumstances
- details of the business and its importance to the local community
- copies of the last two years audited accounts
- nature of the hardship
- other evidence that the rate payer feels supports their application
- details of the number of people who are employed locally by the business or organisation and the number who reside in Woking, if known
Before you apply, read our hardship relief guidance notes
What happens next
- Notification about the outcome of the decision will be provided in writing, or via email, within 14 days of the decision being made.
- There is no formal right of appeal as this relief is discretionary.
Important payment information
- Applying for relief does not entitle you to withhold payments on your account. You must continue to pay your business rates as billed.
- Recovery action will be taken if your payments are not up to date.