Introduction
Depending on individual circumstances, the ratepayer may be eligible for a reduction in their business rates bill. There are a range of available reliefs. Some of the permanent reliefs are set out below but temporary reliefs are often introduced by Government at budgets.
Please contact us for detail on the latest availability of business rates reliefs and advice on whether you may qualify. Further detail on reliefs is also provided at Business rates relief – GOV.UK
If business rates relief or exemptions apply to your business, you can Claim a business rate relief or exemption.
Business Rate reliefs
Discretionary Rate Relief
From 1 April 2023 the five councils in Somerset (Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, South Somerset District Council and Somerset County Council) merged into a single new unitary council called Somerset Council. A single new Non Domestic Discretionary Rate Relief Scheme has been agreed for the new Council area.
Full Discretionary Rate Relief and Hardship Policy
Small Business Rate Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Small Business Rate Relief – GOV.UK
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Retail, hospitality and leisure relief – GOV.UK
Exempted Buildings or Empty Property Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Exempted buildings and empty buildings relief – GOV.UK
Charity and Community Amateur Sports Club Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Charitable Rate Relief – GOV.UK
Rural Rate Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Supporting Small Business Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Supporting small business relief – GOV.UK
Transitional Rate Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Transitional relief – GOV.UK
Hardship Relief
To find out more about this relief please click on the following link:
Hardship relief – GOV.UK
State Aid and Subsidy Control
The new UK subsidy regime commenced from 4 January 2023. The new regime enables public authorities, including devolved administrations and local authorities, to deliver subsidies that are tailored for local needs. Public authorities giving subsidies must comply with UK’s international subsidy control commitments.
You must tell us about any changes which may affect your entitlement to rate relief, such as:
- vacating the property
- taking up occupation of an additional property
- an increase in the rateable value of a property
If you do not report a change, you may pay an incorrect amount for Business Rates which could lead to an investigation for fraud.