Business rates
Businesses and other organisations that occupy non-domestic premises pay non-domestic rates, often called business rates. The payments help fund local services provided by local authorities, such as the police and the fire and rescue service.
If you use a building or part of a building for business, you will probably have to pay business rates.
Business premises are given a rateable value. The amount of business rates payable is calculated using the rateable value and the multiplier, which is set by the Government. Different multipliers are used for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Business Rates Deferral Scheme
Businesses all over England are now able to apply to their local council to defer part of their 2009-10 business rates bills thanks to a new government scheme, announced Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton.
Find out more about the scheme and how to apply
Last updated: 3 August 2009