Wycombe District Council have passed us the following information which they are keen to spread the word on.
Specifically it is “The Discretionary Business Rate Scheme” launched in 2017, which gives councils the discretion to award extra rate relief for businesses facing large increases as a result of their revaluation. Businesses can apply to have the increase reduced by 40 per cent.
The details are as follows:
- relief is aimed at local businesses
- the business must see a significant increase in business rates between 2016 and 2017; awards will be made as a percentage reduction on the increase in rates from one year to another
- the scheme will normally apply to businesses with a rateable value below £200,000
- Awards in year two will be a proportion of year one relief
- There will be a minimum award of £250 per year
The following types of occupiers/properties will not qualify for relief:
- Unoccupied properties
- Ratepayers that occupy more than two properties
- Government buildings
- Betting and gambling premises
- Financial institutions including cash machines / automated teller machines (ATMs)
- Pawnbrokers and pay day lenders
- Sex shops
- Education establishments
- NHS premises
- Premises occupied by a precepting authority (legislative restriction)
- Ratepayers already in receipt of mandatory/discretionary relief
Visit the Wycombe District Council website on the link below and apply by clicking on the green box entitled ‘apply for discretionary rate relief’
