Find out who has to pay business rates and where the money goes.
What are business rates
Non-domestic rates, or business rates, collected by the local authority are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.
Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally.
Since April 2017 Bristol City Council, along with a number of other authorities, have signed up as a Business Rates Retention Pilot Authority meaning that we lose various Government grants but retain a greater share of the collected business rates.
This provides a direct financial incentive for authorities to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth since authorities will benefit from growth in business rates revenues.
The money, together with revenue from council tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided.
Who pays business rates
Youll probably have to pay business rates if you use a building for some other reason than a home, for example as a shop, office, caf or warehouse. Youre responsible for paying business rates if you occupy the property, whether youre the owner or the leaseholder.
Business rates go towards local services in Bristol like education, adult care, planning, and street lights.
Business rates are based on the value of the property. Find out more about how business rates are calculated.
Find out how business rates are calculated, and where your money goes in our: