The Government have introduced a scheme with effect from 31 July 2009 whereby you can spread the payment of increases in your 2009/10 business rate bill over a three year period. The increase is equal to 3% of the amount payable in 2009/10.
If your bill has also increased as a result of the end of the current transitional relief period, you may be able to defer 60% of this increase in your bill. If you don’t qualify for transitional relief, you can still defer 3% of your total 2009/10 bill.
You can apply at any time until 31 March 2010 provided you have some of your bill left to pay. We would encourage you to apply early. If you have less than 3% left to pay, you can defer your remaining balance.
The reduction in your payments should be reflected in either your next instalment or, at the latest, in the one following that, depending on when your application is made. The amount you can defer will not change in either case.
The scheme is only available for this financial year and if you wish to opt into the scheme you must complete the application form| shown on the right hand side of the page. The form simply asks for your name, the address of the property and its reference number (which can be found on your business rate bill). Just complete those details, sign the form and return it to the address on the right hand side of the page.
Further information can be found on the explanatory leaflet, from the Council or by visiting the Business Link Website| using the link at the bottom of the page