10 Ways to Get Small Business Rates Relief in the UK (Without Selling a Kidney)

Running a small business isn't for the faint-hearted. Between managing stock, staff, and the occasional existential crisis, you've got a lot on your plate. One thing that shouldn’t weigh you down? Sky-high business rates. Here’s a cheeky little guide to getting some sweet, sweet relief on those pesky bills.

1. Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)

If your property’s rateable value is less than £15,000, you could be eligible for Small Business Rate Relief. Properties with a rateable value of £12,000 or less get 100% relief (that’s right, you pay zilch).

How it works:

• Properties with rateable values between £12,001 and £15,000 get tapered relief.
• You can apply through your local council's website. Quick and painless—like ripping off a plaster!

2. Rural Rate Relief

Are you running a pub or convenience store in the middle of nowhere? You might qualify for Rural Rate Relief.

The deets:

• Get 50% relief if you’re the sole provider of essential services in a rural area with a population under 3,000.
• Some councils might dish out up to 100% relief because they’re generous like that.

3. Transitional Relief

Did your business premises’ rateable value shoot up more than your blood pressure at tax time? Transitional Relief could ease the pain.

What to know:

• It limits the amount your bill can increase or decrease each year due to changes in the rateable value.
• Automatically applied by your local council. No paperwork required—hallelujah!

4. Charitable Rate Relief

If you’re running a charity or non-profit, you’re in luck. Charitable Rate Relief could save you a pretty penny.

The perks:

• 80% mandatory relief if you’re a registered charity.
• Some councils might top you up to 100% relief because they appreciate your do-gooder efforts.

5. Enterprise Zone Relief

Got a business in one of those fancy Enterprise Zones? You could be eligible for up to £55,000 per year in rate relief.

Key points:

• Check if your business is in an Enterprise Zone.
• Relief lasts up to 5 years. Think of it as a long honeymoon with fewer arguments.

6. Hardship Relief

Having a rough patch in your business? The local council might throw you a lifeline with Hardship Relief.

Insider info:

• Apply if you’re experiencing financial hardship and paying business rates would cause more distress.
• Councils have discretion on this one, so ensure you’ve got a convincing sob story (truthful, of course!).

7. Empty Property Rate Relief

Got a property that’s gathering more cobwebs than customers? Empty Property Rate Relief might be your new best friend.

Details:

• Properties unoccupied for more than 3 months (or 6 for industrial sites) don’t have to pay business rates.
• Just don’t leave them empty too long, or you’ll look like the neighbourhood’s haunted house.

8. Partly Occupied Property Relief

Sometimes, you only use part of your business property. You can apply for Partly Occupied Property Relief.

How it works:

• Your local council can award relief for the portion of the property that's unoccupied.
• A win-win situation where you're not paying for space you barely use!

9. Local Discounts

Some councils offer additional discounts at their discretion. It’s like finding a fiver in your old jeans pocket!

Things to do:

• Check your local council’s website for any quirky local schemes.
• It could involve anything from green initiatives to historic preservation.

10. Appeal Your Rateable Value

If your rateable value feels like daylight robbery, appeal it!

Steps to take:

• Gather evidence that supports your claim (photos, valuations, etc.).
• Submit your appeal to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Stand your ground and don’t back down!

Ready to Slash Those Business Rates?

Dealing with business rates doesn’t have to be hair-pullingly stressful. With these tips, you can potentially save enough cash to reinvest in that killer espresso machine or snazzy new signage you’ve been eyeing.