If a ratepayer's sole or main property has a rateable value which does not exceed a set threshold, they may qualify for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR). This provides a percentage reduction in the business rates payable on that property, up to a maximum 100% relief, depending on the property's rateable value.
Generally, where the sole or main property has a rateable value of £15,000 or less, the ratepayer may be eligible for relief. If the property has a rateable value of £12,000 or less, the ratepayer will qualify for 100% relief.
In most cases, relief is only available to ratepayers who occupy either:
- one property, or
- one main property and additional properties, provided that each additional property has a rateable value which does not exceed £2,899
The aggregate rateable value of all properties under the second scenario must not exceed £19,999 outside London or £27,999 in London on each day for which relief is sought. If the rateable value, or aggregate rateable value, increases above those levels, relief will cease from the day of the increase.
The government has also introduced additional support for small businesses. Where a business takes on an additional property that would otherwise result in the loss of Small Business Rates Relief, it may continue to receive relief for:
- 12 months where the additional property was acquired before 27 November 2025, or
- 3 years where the additional property was acquired on or after 27 November 2025
Changes in circumstances
Changes in circumstances will need to be notified to Central Bedfordshire Council by a ratepayer who is in receipt of relief (other changes will be picked up by Central Bedfordshire Council). The changes which should be notified are:
- the ratepayer taking up occupation of an additional property
- an increase in the rateable value of a property occupied by the ratepayer in an area other than Central Bedfordshire
How to apply
Apply for Small Business Rate Relief online
If you are unable to apply online, please email businessrates@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and a specialist officer will contact you to continue with your application.
Please quote your business rates account reference in all correspondence, in the format “Account reference 39999999”. Your account reference is 7 or 8 digits long and starts with a 3, and you can find it on your business rates bill or any letter we have sent about your business rates.