Reductions

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a reduction in the amount of business rates you pay.

Empty property relief

If your property is unoccupied, you will not have to pay business rates for the first three months. After three months, you will get 50% empty property relief on the full amount due.

The following types of properties can qualify for a 100% reduction if they are unoccupied:

  • Industrial properties

  • Listed buildings

  • Properties in the hands of certain trustees

  • Properties with a rateable value of £1,700 or less

Please note, industrial properties can qualify for this type of relief even when parts of them are being used.

Mandatory relief

Registered charities are entitled to 80% relief on any non-domestic property which is used wholly or mainly for charity work.

Discretionary relief

If your charity has received mandatory relief, Renfrewshire Council can decide to remove all or part of the remaining 20% of your bill. Relief of up to 100% can also be given to properties which are used by certain non-profit organisations, for example, sports, theatre or arts clubs. If your club is licensed, it is still possible to receive discretionary relief.

Disabled persons relief

Reductions are available to properties where nursing care is provided.

Small business bonus scheme (new for 2008-09)

In April 2008, the Scottish Government introduced a new reduction scheme for non domestic rates, called the Small Business Bonus Scheme. This aims to reduce the amount you pay if the combined Rateable Value of your business premises is £15,000 or lower. It replaces the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme.

Under the new bonus scheme, if your property's Rateable Value is:

  • Up to and including £8,000, you are entitled to an 80% rates reduction

  • Between £8,001 and £10,000, you are entitled to a 40% rates reduction

  • Between £10,001 and £15,000, you are entitled to a 20% rates reduction

If you previously made a successful application for Small Business Rates Relief, your reduction will be automatically transferred under the new scheme.

Anyone who did not apply for the previous Small Business Rate Relief scheme should have received an application form for the new scheme. Send your completed form to the address at the bottom of this page, or apply online via Renfrewshire Council's website:

Small business bonus scheme form

You can get a leaflet with more details about the Small Business Bonus Scheme from the Scottish Government at:

Website: www.scotland.gov.uk
Email:

Rural post offices and general stores

If your business is the only post office or general store in a rural area, and it has a rateable value under £7,000, it may qualify for 50% mandatory relief.

Contacts

For more information or to submit an application, contact:

Director of Finance and IT,
Non-Domestic Rates
Renfrewshire Council,
Cotton Street,
Paisley,
PA1 1AD.

Telephone: 0141 842 5211
Fax : 0141 842 5353
E-mail: