What are business rates?

Business rates is a way that those who occupy a non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.

Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1st April 2013, the council keeps a proportion of the business rates paid locally. This provides a direct financial incentive for us to work with local businesses to create an encouraging local environment for growth. The money, together with revenue from council tax payers, revenue support provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by the council across the borough.

Further information about the business rates system is available on the GOV.UK website.