Hundreds of retailers across Bath and North East Somerset are being invited to apply for a discount to their business rate bills which could cut them by a third.
The government announced in its Autumn Budget that over the next two financial years – 2019/20 and 2020/21 – retail premises with rateable values of £51,000 or less could be awarded a discount. The aim is to ease the plight of smaller stores as they struggle against competition from online retail giants while keeping the country’s high streets and city centres alive. 
While business rates are set by central government, they are collected by local authorities such as Bath & North East Somerset Council, which has now sent application forms to nearly 800 businesses which it thinks qualify for the discount.
To do so the business premises must be occupied and be wholly or mainly used to sell goods, services or food and drink to members of the public. Examples include shops, opticians, hairdressers, post offices, garden centres, markets, petrol stations, restaurants and bars.
Cabinet member for economic and community regeneration Cllr Paul Myers said: “Business rates remain one of the biggest fixed costs for many retailers and this discount is designed to help them at a time when trading conditions are difficult. We want to see our high streets, town centres and villages thrive and I’d urge eligible retailers to apply.”
The discounts are discretionary and will be assessed by the council on a case-by-case basis. Premises which are not reasonably accessible to members of the public, or those not mainly used for the qualifying purpose will not be eligible for the discount.
As the discount awarded will be a third of the net business rate bill, the total amount granted will vary depending on the rateable value of the property. It is not available for premises with a rateable value of more than £51,000.00.
The council will assess eligibility and calculate the total award of the discount to the net business rates bill after applying any other relief. Business rate payers who occupy more than one property will be entitled to discounts on each of their eligible properties subject to state aid de minimis limits.
To apply visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/business-rate-retail-discount Download and complete the retail discount application form and email it to businessrates@bathnes.gov.uk
