Outcome: discretionary business rates relief review

On 23 February 2023, we committed to review the discretionary business rates relief that was awarded to a variety of charitable and other organisations.

We notified all businesses in receipt of discretionary business rates relief of this review in writing on 31 March 2023.

On 4 March 2024 the Council approved a new discretionary business rates relief policy

Some organisations that received discretionary relief for the 2023/2024 financial year will no longer automatically receive it in future years, but they can still apply.

Some organisations who are no longer eligible for discretionary business rates relief may be eligible to alternative types of relief, which include small business rates relief and retail, hospitality and leisure relief.

  • Applications for less than 20% but more than £5,000 discretionary relief must apply annually starting on 1 April 2024. 
  • Applications for less than 20% and less than £5,000 discretionary relief will be required to apply every three years. We will notify you when you need to apply.  

Continuation of relief will be subject to reapplication or review. 

Each business in receipt of discretionary business rates relief for the 2023/2024 financial year will receive a letter detailing the net effect the policy change will have on their business rates charges from 1 April 2024 onwards. 

View the new discretionary business rates relief policy

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