Business Rates

Usually the bill is payable by 10 monthly instalments starting in April and finishing in January. If someone takes over a property part way through the year the rates bill is divided over the remaining months of the instalment period.

What if I do not pay on time?

You will receive a reminder for the first instalment that is late. If you want to carry on paying by instalments, you MUST pay the amount shown on the reminder within 7 days. If you do not pay this amount within 7 days, you will lose you right to pay by instalments and you will have to pay the full balance of your business rates after a further 7 days.

If we cancel your instalments because you have not paid on time, we can then apply to the Magistrates' Court for a Summons to be issued against you.

If you receive a reminder notice or a summons and you cannot afford to pay the amount required to bring your account up to date, please contact us immediately, as it may be possible to make alternative arrangements for you to pay.

Additional costs are incurred if a summons is issued to cover the extra expenses the Council has incurred, such as correspondence, postage and costs payable to the Magistrates' Court.

If a liability order is issued against you at the Magistrates' Court, the Borough Council is granted additional powers to collect the balance outstanding by:

• instructing bailiffs.
• commencing bankruptcy proceedings.
• And, if you are personally liable, the Council can apply to the Court for your Committal to prison

For independent advice, please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.