Reductions and reliefs

Supporting Small Business Relief

Ratepayers losing eligibility for some or all of their Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief as a result of the 2023 revaluation will have their increases limited to £600 for the 2023 to 2024 tax year. This means that no small business losing eligibility for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief will see their bill increasing by more than £50 per month in 2023/24.

Ratepayers who qualify for Supporting Small Business Relief whose 2023 rateable values are £51,000 or more, will not be liable to pay the supplement of 1.3p to fund Small Business Rate Relief. A change of ratepayer will not affect eligibility for the Supporting Small Business scheme. The Supporting Small Business Relief scheme will continue for a period of three years or until ratepayers reach the bill they would have paid without the scheme being in place.

Charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs, who are already entitled to 80% Mandatory Relief, are not entitled to Supporting Small Business Relief. Eligibility for Supporting Small Business Relief will cease if the property becomes vacant or becomes occupied by a charity or Community Amateur Sports Club.

The 2023 Supporting Small Business Relief scheme is likely to amount to a subsidy. Therefore any relief provided by Central Bedfordshire Council under this scheme, will need to comply with the UK’s domestic and international subsidy control obligations.

Read more about the Supporting Small Busines Relief scheme on GOV.UK.