Business rates

Business rates are the way those who occupy non domestic buildings contribute to the cost of local services. They are also known as non-domestic rates. We collect these rates and keep a percentage. 

The business rate is calculated by multiplying the rateable value of property by the standard or small business rating multiplier. The government sets the rating multiplier.

For 2023-2024 the multiplier rates are: 

• small business multiplier: 49.9p
• standard multiplier: 51.2p

The Valuation Office Agency assess the rateable value of all business and other non-domestic properties (properties that are not just private residences) in England and Wales. This is called a revaluation.   

Rateable values are the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2023 valuation, that date was 1 April 2021. We use these rateable values from the VOA to calculate business rates bills. 

Revaluations are carried out to reflect changes in the property market, which means that business rates bills are based on more up-to-date information. The latest revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2023. 

Contacting the Valuation Office Agency 

We are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill. The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. You have to contact the Valuation Office Agency directly for all queries about your rateable value. 

• website: Business rates valuation account - GOV.UK

You can pay your business rates online and manage your account through OpenAshfield. 

Letting us know about starting and ending occupation

You can let us know when you start occupying premises, or when you end occupation using the forms in the related documents section of this web page. 

Completed forms should be returned by: 

• email: businessrates@ashfield.gov.uk

Business rates relief

You may be able to get help through one of the business rate relief schemes. We manage: 

• Small Business Rate Relief
• Rural Rate Relief
• Charitable Rate Relief
• Community Amateur Sports Club relief
• Hardship Relief
• Retail Discount
• Transitional Relief
• Local Newspaper Relief. 

For many of the schemes we will contact you if you are eligible and you do not have to apply. 

Empty or partially occupied properties

You do not have to pay business rates on empty properties for up to 3 months. There is more information on this and on extended relief on the GOV.UK website. 

If part of your property is not being used and is completely unoccupied, we may be able to offer a reduction on your rates. You will need to write to us and show: 

• a detailed plan of the premises showing clearly which areas are currently occupied, and which are unoccupied
• the date that the part-occupation commenced, and when it is expected to cease
• the reason why the part-occupation became necessary
• whether there is any intention to sublet or sell the unoccupied area
• whether any machinery or equipment will be stored in this area
• any other information in support of your claim.

Exempt properties

Some types of property are exempt from paying business rates. These include: 

• farm land and agricultural buildings
• churches
• certain properties used by people with disabilities
• property situated within an Enterprise Zone, such as Sherwood Business Park
• public parks
• moveable moorings
• sewers. 

Latest business rates news

Rogue business rates agents - June 2023

We have been alerted by the Valuation Office Agency that there are some rogue business rates agents operation and scamming businesses.

When picking an agent, use the list collated by the Valuation Office Agency:

• website: Appointing an agent for business rates - Valuation Office Agency
• website: Be wary of rogue business rates agents - Valuation Office Agency

Autumn Statement 2022

In the Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, the Chancellor announced that the Government would provide the following package of measures to support businesses in England:

• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) rate relief scheme increasing the current relief from 50% to 75% in 2023-2024, up to a maximum of £110,000 per business
• Freezing the business rates multipliers at 49.9p (small business multiplier) and 51.2p (standard multiplier)
• A new Supporting Small Business (SSB) relief scheme to ensure no small business faces a bill increase greater than £50 per month for 2023-2024, as a result of losing eligibility for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief due to the 2023 Rating List coming into force
• An Exchequer funded Transitional Relief scheme to limit bill increases caused by changes in rateable values due to the 2023 Rating List coming into force.

These have been applied automatically to the bills of eligible businesses.

Ways to contact us about business rates

If you have questions about business rates, or paying your business rates, you can contact us by: 

• online form
• email: businessrates@ashfield.gov.uk 
• telephone: 01623 457200
• post: 

Business Rates
Ashfield District Council
Urban Road
Kirkby in Ashfield
Nottingham
NG17 8DA