Business rates reductions and exemptions

Mandatory Rate Relief 

Charities, exempt charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) may be entitled to 80% Mandatory Rate Relief if they occupy non-domestic properties, wholly or mainly for charitable purposes or for the purposes of the club. This relief can be topped up to 100% at the discretion of the Council under their Discretionary Rate Relief policy. Please see below for further information. 

Charity shops can also receive 80% Mandatory Rate Relief if they are wholly or mainly used for the sale of goods donated to the charity and the proceeds of the sale are used for the charity.

To apply for Mandatory Rate Relief you will need your appropriate registration number, which can be found on the following websites:

• Charity Commission
• Community Amateur Sports Club 

Discretionary Rate Relief

The Council can consider awarding Discretionary Rate Relief to certain charitable and non-profit making organisations. The Council will look at issues such as access to the facilities offered by the organisation; if the organisation provides training and/or education for its members or the community; the level of its membership; and fees.

An application for Discretionary Rate Relief must be made every year. For an application to be considered for a particular financial year it has to be made before 30 September of the following financial year, however, if awarded, Rate relief will normally only be awarded from the date the Council receives the application unless there is an exceptional circumstance.

Read our discretionary rate relief policy. 

Please note that non domestic rates charges are payable as billed pending a decision to award any non domestic rate relief.