About business rates
Business rates, also called non-domestic
rates, are a contribution made by businesses towards the cost of
services we provide. They're payable by the occupier of the
business premises or, if the property is empty, then they're
payable by the owner or tenant.
Business rates are collected by local councils
but are paid into a national pool which central Government then
redistributes back to us on a formula basis. The money,
together with Council Tax and a revenue support grant provided by
the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the
services we provide.
The amount of rates payable is calculated by
multiplying the rateable value of a property by the non- domestic
rate multiplier (less any reductions applicable). Business rates
are set at the same rate in the pound (multiplier) across the whole
of England.