Business rates

If you own a business you may have to pay business rates (also known as national non-domestic rates (NNDR) or non-domestic rates (NDR).

Business rates are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services provided by the council and other local authorities in the area.

Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced on 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally. This provides a direct financial incentive for authorities to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth, since authorities will benefit from growth in business rates income.

Sometimes you are liable to pay business rates in respect of buildings that are not used for business purposes, for example some stables will attract a business rate charge. 

More information is available on the government website.