How do I pay my National Non-Domestic Rates?

Non-Domestic (Business) Rates are charged annually.  We issue a Rate Demand Notice and the charge is due and payable on the1st April.  However, where the charge is over £500.00 we offer the10 monthly Statuary Instalment scheme in accordance with Government legislation.

If accounts are not paid by direct debit, payment is due into the account on the 1st of each month. We are required to give you 14 days notice before the first instalment is due.  When you receive your first Non-Domestic (Business) Rates Demand Notice you will see printed on it the monthly instalment date together with the amounts you need to pay.

Please visit the Payments page for details on how to pay us or complete an online Direct Debit Form.

 

What if I do not pay on time?

As soon as you realise you have a problem paying you should contact the Non Domestic Rate Section on 01263 516110 to discuss your situation.

What if I don't pay?

Reminder notice

Failure to pay your account by the instalment date will result in the issue of a Reminder Notice.  If the Reminder Notice is not paid within 7 days of receipt, we will after a further 7 days issue a Summons for non payment at which time the full outstanding balance will become due.

Final notice

Only one Reminder notice will be issued in a financial year.  If a subsequent instalment is not received by the due date, the Council will issue a Final Notice, demanding the total balance outstanding.  You must pay this amount within seven days to avoid being sent a summons.

Summons

If, after receiving one or both of the above notices, you do not make the payment demanded, the Council will apply to the local Magistrates' Court for a Summons to be issued against you and costs of £60 will be added to your account. At this stage you can still make an arrangement to pay the amount due by contacting the Non Domestic Rate Section.

Liability Order

If you do not pay the balance shown on the summons before the court hearing, the matter will be taken to the Magistrates Court and The Council will apply for a liability order. You will have the opportunity of attending the court, but this is only to determine your liability, not your ability to pay. Any questions relating to the rateable value of your property will not be dealt with by the court.

What powers does a liability order give the Council?

A liability order gives us powers to collect your debt using different methods such as:

• Instructing bailiffs to visit your property with the intention of seizing your goods and for those goods to be sold at public auction to pay off your outstanding debt . This action will incur further costs to your account.
• Starting bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings.
• Committal to prison.