Retail Rate relief
In the Chancellor’s budget on 27 October 2021, it was announced that the Government would provide further business rates support for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England occupying a qualifying property.
The discount for eligible properties for the period 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021 was 100% (uncapped). For the period 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022 it was 66%, with a cash cap of £2m for businesses required to close as at 5 January 2021, and up to £105,000 for businesses permitted to open at that date. Further information can be found at Gov.UK Website
For the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 it was 50%, up to a maximum cash cap of £110,000 per business (including any companies within the group). Further information can be found at Gov.UK Website
For the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 it was 75%, up to a maximum cash cap of £110,000 per business (including any companies within the group) . Further information can be found Gov.UK Website
The above reliefs are awarded under Section 47 Local Government Finance Act 1988 therefore are subject to backdating limitations
For the financial year 2024/25 the discount will be 75%, up to a maximum cash cap of £110,000 per business.
To qualify, a ratepayer must also not exceed the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit of £315,000 in a three-year period (consisting of the current financial year and the two previous financial years). Expanded Retail Discount granted in 2020/21 or 2021/22 does not count towards the limit, but COVID-19 business grants received from local government and any other subsidy claimed under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit over the 3-year period should be counted. Further details of subsidy control can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Where we believe the eligibility criteria are met, we will be issuing ratepayers with bills showing the uncapped relief of 75%. We are also writing to them to ask for confirmation where appropriate that the cap has not been exceeded and giving an opportunity to refuse this relief where applicable.
Electronic versions of the form included with these letters can be downloaded here:
You can also use Form A if you have not received this relief automatically but wish to apply as you have more than one property and have not exceeded the cap.
Completed forms should be sent to business.rates@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
If you need further advice, please call us on 01295 227000.