Hardship relief
We can award up to 100 percent relief from business rates to ratepayers who are experiencing hardship at our discretion. Our discretionary rate relief policy provides guidance on when you might be eligible for hardship rate relief. All hardship payments will be awarded for a set period and do not constitute continual payment.
How we assess your application
- Each case will be considered on its own merits
- Reduction of business rates on the grounds of hardship is the exception rather than the rule
- The test of hardship need is not confined strictly to financial hardship. All relevant factors affecting the ability of a business to meet its liabilities for business rates are taken into account
- The interests of the Council Tax payers in the area may go wider than direct financial interests. For example, the case for a reduction of business rates may still outweigh the costs to the Council Tax payer if:
- Employment prospects in the area would be worsened by a company going out of business, or
- The amenities of the area might be reduced if it went out of business