The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. From a business rates perspective, these include:

• A 12 month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England
• Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
• A 12 month business rates holiday for childcare providers for 2020/21 where premises are wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage

There is also grant funding available of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000

 What is an eligible retail, hospitality or leisure business?

• Business based in England
• Properties which are wholly or mainly used as – a full list is available https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-rates-retail-discount-guidance
  • As shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues
  • For assembly and leisure which will include sports grounds and clubs, museums, leisure facilities and gyms, theatres and tourist attractions
  • As hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation – this will include caravan parks and sites
• You will still be eligible even if you have temporarily closed due to the government’s advice

 Who is not eligible?

• Financial services (banks, building societies, cash points, bureau de change, payday lenders, betting shops, pawn brokers)
• Other services (estate and letting agents, employment agencies)
• Medical services (vets, dentists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors)
• Professional services (solicitors, accountants, insurance agents/ financial advisers, tutors)
• Post office sorting offices
• Casinos and gambling clubs

How do I access the 12 month business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses scheme?

• This will apply automatically to your next council tax bill in April 2020 (local authorities may need to reissue your bill to exclude the business rates charge) – you do not need to contact your local authority

Is the rate discount scheme State aid?

• The expanded retail discount scheme is expected to become notified State aid.

How do I access the grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses?

• Contact your local authority

What if I pay little or no business rates (e.g. small business rates relief)?

• If you are currently eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief, you are eligible for a one-off £10,000 grant to help meet your ongoing costs

How do I access the small business grant?

• Your local authority will contact you – you do not need to apply. Funding will be provided to local authorities in April 2020

What other opportunities are there to save on business rates?

If your business does not qualify for rates relief in 2020/21 or if you have paid business rates for earlier years there may be opportunities for savings:

• Is your business eligible for retail rate relief in the rate year 2019/20? This may be applicable to businesses with a large number of properties or where retail businesses operate out of industrial-type properties. The test is whether the property is used wholly or mainly for retailing goods to members of the public.
• Is your current rateable value correct? Specialist rate surveyors will be able to provide advice in this area.
• Do you have any vacant space and is empty rate relief applicable and advisable? Note that any businesses only temporarily closed due to government advice on Covid-19 will be treated as occupied for the purpose of retail rate relief.

We are here to support you through this difficult period, if you have any questions please do get in touch.

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