Frequently asked questions: Business Rates and Coronavirus

Commonly asked Business Rates questions and answers about the Coronavirus

I have received a NDR bill but I haven’t got 100% retail discount?

All bills were issued with retail discount set at 50% and pub relief at £1000. This has now been changed in that all qualifying hereditaments with RV’s under £51,000 have been awarded 100% retail discount. Public houses may show 50% retail and 50% pub relief but the balance is correct.

Premises with RV’s over £51,000 have been updated, additional premises e.g. self-catering accommodation identified and relief awarded. Revised bills have now been dispatched.

My property description isn’t in the list of qualifying hereditaments but my business is used for retail/leisure/hospitality

We are currently looking at identifying premises which do not have a retail description but have retail usage. We are looking at resources to assist us with identifying these hereditaments, your premises will be added to the list that is being maintained.

Whilst we have no wish to cause hardship to any of our customers who pay Non Domestic Rates, priority will be given to those that are entitled based on description and we will contact you as soon as we are able with a decision regarding being able to apply the retail discount to these premises.

If you believe the description of your property is wrong you can visit the VOA website and use check and challenge with a view to getting this corrected. 

What can you tell me about the grant scheme?

Sorry, the business support grant schemes closed to applications on the 28 August 2020.  For advice on what support is available for your business view our business grants and funding page.

We are a non-local authority nursery open to children of keyworkers, will we be required to pay business rates?

The total amount of government-funded relief available for each property for 2020/21 under this scheme is 100% of the bill, after mandatory reliefs and other discretionary reliefs have been applied.

These businesses have now been identified and revised bills have now been dispatched.

I don’t fall into any of these groups, I can’t pay my business rates, what should I do?

Check whether you may still be eligible for small business rate relief and if so please apply online.

If you are going to struggle to pay your Business Rates please contact us at brates@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

My business property is empty, do I still have to pay empty rates?

At the moment the Government have not announced any changes to the legislation regarding empty properties.

If you are going to struggle to pay your Business Rates please contact us at brates@north-norfolk.gov.uk.

Where else can I get help and advice about how Coronavirus is affecting my business?

If your business is being impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic or If your business is experiencing financial difficulty as a result. Visit the Government business support pages for more help and advice.

My business premises are currently empty will I be able to get a grant or any other discount?

The Government has made no provision to offer grants or discounts to premises which are vacant,