Business > Business rates >
Business rates - reductions
There are a number of different reductions available
Transitional relief
After each revaluation there is a period of transition. No bill is allowed to increase or decrease by more than a set percentage. Any property with a large increase or decrease in its rateable value will therefore come under the transitional relief scheme, which has the effect of phasing the valuation in over a period of time. If transitional relief applies to your rates bill, it will be applied automatically.
Empty properties
If a property is empty and unused, no business rates are normally payable for the first three months and 50% of the full bill is payable after this period has elapsed. Some types of business property are exempt from empty property rates. An exemption will automatically be applied to your bill, if appropriate, when you advise the council that the property has become empty.
Charity relief
Charities may be entitled to an 80% reduction in their bills. The Council has the discretion to reduce the bill further. In addition, the council has the discretion to grant relief to some other types of non-profit making bodies. Application forms can be requested on-line.
Rural rate relief
If your business property is in a designated rural area, you may be able to claim rural rate relief. Application forms can be requested on-line.
Hardship relief
This discretionary relief can be granted by the council if you are experiencing hardship and your business is considered to be important to the local community.
Other pages you may find useful
Contact Details
For further information or specific help with information on this page, please contact us:
City of Durham CityInfo
Telephone: 0191 301 8499 or Fax: 0191 301 8555
Fill out a contact form
In an emergency, outside of office hours, please call 0191 386 6111