Business rates relief and reductions
There are some circumstances where the full business rates are not payable.
Relief on business rates may apply where:
- the occupier is a charity
- the occupier is a community amateur sports club
- the occupier is a not-for-profit organisation
- hardship relief is appropriate
For more information or to apply for business rates relief, contact us by phone on 01590 646119 or by email to nndr@nfdc.gov.uk.
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Charities
Registered charities occupying a property which is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes are entitled to 80% rate relief from rates.
This includes charity shops where goods for sale are wholly or mainly donated, and proceeds applied for the purposes of the charity,
Some organisations are not a registered charity but are established for charitable purposes only, for example an educational trust, scout or guide units. These may also be entitled to the relief.
In addition, we can award discretionary rate relief for all or part of the remaining 20% of business rates, although this does not apply for charity shops.
Discretionary rate relief for charities (PDF, 88 KB)
Community amateur sports clubs
Sports clubs registered with HMRC as a community amateur sports club (CASC) are entitled to 80% rates reduction.
To apply for this reduction, you will need to provide the club's registration certificate.
Visit the GOV.UK website for further information on CASC registration.
Not-for-profit organisations
Business rates relief may be applied to not-for-profit organisations based in a non-domestic property. Typically such organisations are:
- charitable, philanthropic or religious
- concerned with education, social welfare, science, literature or fine arts
- a club concerned with recreation
As this relief is partly funded by us, we will only grant this relief where it is in the interests of the local community. Examples include small sports clubs, village halls and local community facilities.
Discretionary rate relief (PDF, 91 KB)
Rural Rate Relief
You will qualify for rural rate relief and not pay business rates, if your business is in a rural settlement area with a population below 3,000 and your business premises is:
- the only village shop or post office, with a rateable value of up to £8,500
- the only public house or petrol station, with a rateable value of up to £12,500
If you think this may apply to you, please email nndr@nfdc.gov.uk
Hardship
We may reduce all or part of a business rates bill if you would suffer financial hardship if you paid the whole of the bill.
As this relief is partly funded by the council, we will only grant this relief where it is evident that all of the following apply.
- you have suffered a temporary reduction in your turnover.
- your business is otherwise viable.
- it is in the interests of the local community that you remain in business
You will need to complete an application form and provide copies of audited accounts.
To apply for this relief, use the online form below.
Apply for business rates relief due to hardship
For further details, download our business rates rate relief policy document below.
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