The Business Rates collected by Councils is paid into a central pool and redistributed on a population basis to Councils. There are special arrangements for the City of London. This income, together with income from Council Tax and the Revenue Support Grant from central Government, is used to pay for the services provided by the Council.

As a nationally determined 'property tax', there are no legislative provisions upon Councils to provide services specifically for Business Rate payers. However, in addition to providing a range of services to the Business community (for which there may be a separate charge), the Council actively seeks consultation in determining its expenditure plans. Formal consultation normally takes place twice a year November and January.

Amount Payable

The Council has no part in the normal setting of the level of charge for Business Rates, subject to certain discretionary reliefs.

The calculation for the amount payable is the Rateable Value x Multiplier = Full Charge

Both these figures are set by Central Government.

There are two multipliers:

• For 2007/8, the first (which applies to businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief) is 44.1p.  The second (which applies to all other businesses) is 44.4p
• For 2008/9, the first (which applies to businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief) is 45.8p.  The second (which applies to all other businesses) is 46.2p

The full charge may be subject to an adjustment in respect of empty rates, reliefs & exemptions or transitional arrangements. 

Further information about Business Rates can be obtained from the Business Link website.

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