Business rates frequently asked questions
Summons surgery will be closed between Monday 23 December 2024 and Friday 3 January 2025.
You can book appointments again from 6 January 2025. If you've got a question, please use the forms on this page to make an enquiry.
Business ratesThe business rates line will be closed from 24 December 2024 to 31 December 2024.
Use the online forms if you want to communicate with the team during this time.
The line will reopen as usual on Thursday 2 January 2025, from 9am to 12 noon.
Apologies for any inconvenience.
What are business rates?
Non-domestic rates (business rates), collected by local authorities are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services. Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, a proportion of the business rates paid is kept locally by the Council.
The money, together with revenue from council tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by your local authority and other local authorities in your area.
What if I change business address?
If you are moving out of your business premises we need the details of your move so that we can update our records and issue you with an amended account. You can access our moving form here.
Are all businesses rateable?
Generally, business rates are payable on most commercial properties like shops, offices and hotels. Self-catering accommodation such as holiday homes are also liable for business rates where they are available for use by short stay guests for 140 days or more per year.
What if I work from home?
It will depend on the circumstances of each case. If you work from home, the Council may charge business rates for the part of the property used for work, and you will have to pay council tax for the rest of the property (although your property’s valuation band may change).