Small Business Rate Relief

Are you aware of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme?

 
If your business has a rateable value of less than £15,000 in England (£21,500 in London) or £9,000 in Wales, you are eligible to apply for SBRR. In Scotland it is called the Small Business Bonus Scheme. Eligible businesses must have a rateable value of less than £15,000.
 
The Forum of Private Business originally lobbied government for this relief as we believe that business rates account for a larger proportion of the turnover of a small business than they do for larger businesses. Therefore, any increases have a disproportionate effect on small business.
 
Only businesses who apply to their local authority in England can be included in the SBRR scheme (it is automatically given in Wales) However, research suggests that fewer than 50% of eligible businesses have applied in England, although there is a much higher rate of uptake in Scotland and Wales.
 
The common reasons for businesses not applying are:
  • They are not aware of the scheme
  • They think its too much trouble to apply for SBRR
  • They feel that the likely amount of the refund is not worth applying for.
But SBRR - and the Small Business Bonus Scheme - could help your business get up to a 50% relief, depending on your rateable value.
 

Get more information

 
You can access more region specific information below and download guidance on how to apply.
 
 
 
Please note: You must contact your local authority to apply for SBRR. If you are unsure of your rateable value, you should be able to find this on your bill. If you cannot find this information on your bill you should contact your local authority and ask to speak to the business rates department.
 
In Northern Ireland, there is a hardship relief scheme which provides support to businesses in crisis because of exceptional circumstances and removes the need to pay rates during this period.