NATIONAL NON-DOMESTIC RATES (USUALLY KNOWN AS BUSINESS RATES)

INFORMATION FOR RATEPAYERS

National Non-Domestic Rates, usually known as Business Rates, is a tax on all non-domestic properties and is the means by which businesses and others who occupy or own these properties contribute towards the cost of local services.

The Valuation Office Agency, a division of the Inland Revenue, is responsible for valuing non-domestic properties and assessing the rateable values. The Government sets the rate in the pound (the multiplier) each year and the rates bill is calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property by the rate in the pound. Following a revaluation (which takes place every five years), the amount payable may also be reduced or increased by the transitional scheme that phases in the effects of the new valuation.

Local authorities like Runnymede are responsible for collecting the rates and passing this to the Government. The proceeds are pooled by the Government and redistributed to local authorities on a formula basis to contribute to local government expenditure.

Changes to Empty Property Rates

Do you own or lease unoccupied non-domestic premises ? If so, please visit for important information about changes that will come into effect from 1 April 2008.

Valuation for Non Domestic Rates

Every five years the Valuation Office Agency gives all non-domestic properties new rateable values. The revaluation is not aimed at changing the amount of money collected nationally, but to make sure that individual rateable values reflect the changes that have taken place in the property market since the last revaluation in 2000. The current Rating List took effect from 1 April 2005 and is based on rental evidence as at 1 April 2003.

If you have a query about your valuation or wish to make an appeal you should contact the Guildford Valuation Office, West Block, Westbrook Mills, Borough Road, Godalming, GU7 2SG (Tel: 01483 702900). You can also appeal on-line at www.voa.gov.uk.

Rates Guide

The following guide will be helpful if you require more information about Business Rates:

www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk is a Government-funded site, designed to provide businesses with a single source of clear and concise information on business rates. It is provided by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

Small Business Rate Relief

If your rateable value is less than £15,000 you may benefit from the Small Business Rate Relief scheme that came into force on 1st April 2005. Please read the information on the back of your rate bill to check whether you are eligible. If so, you can download an application form, or request one from the Business Rates office. Contact details are provided below or at the top of your rate bill.

You can access a calculator to check how much relief you will be entitled to if you are eligible.

Charity and Registered Community Amateur Sports Club relief

Charities and Registered Community Amateur Sports Clubs are entitled to 80% relief where the property is occupied by the charity or club and is wholly or mainly used for the purposes of the charity or club. The Council has discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill. Full details and copy of the Council's policy guidelines on the determination of relief can be obtained from the Business Rates office.

Non-Profit Making Organisation Relief

The local authority has discretion to give relief to non-profit making organisations.  Full details and a copy of the Council's policy guidelines on the determination of relief can be obtained from the Business Rates office.

Hardship Relief

The Council has discretion to give relief in special circumstances where it is satisfied that:

a) the ratepayer would sustain hardship if the Council did not do so: and

b) it is reasonable for the authority to do so, having regard to the persons subject to its Council Tax.

Please contact the Business Rates office for full details.

Paying your Business Rates

Runnymede Borough Council is responsible for collecting rates from all non-domestic premises in the Runnymede area. The Business Rates team will be pleased to help you with any enquiry. (Please see below for contact details).

You can view a guide to when and how you can pay your Business Rates.

How to contact the Business Rates team

How to contact us information. We can help with any queries regarding your Rates including moving in or out of a property, payment enquiries or claiming an exemption or relief.

Contact details for the local Valuation Office Agency.

Rating Advisers

Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their Rateable Value or their Rates bill. Appeals can be made free of charge. However, if you do decide to employ a Rating Adviser you are strongly advised to check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (www.rics.org.uk) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (www.irrv.org.uk) are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.

The Runnymede Business Partnership

The Partnership was set up in 1997 to promote Runnymede based businesses. For more information including details of the free Business Directory, the Loyalty Card Scheme to encourage shoppers to use local businesses, and a list of vacant business premises in the Borough.

Trade Refuse Collection

If you need to make arrangements for the collection of your trade waste, you might like to consider using Runnymede Direct Services. Please contact the Runnymede Depot on 01932 425750 for more information.