Up to 800 retailers across Bath & North East Somerset are being invited to apply for a discretionary discount to their business rate bills which could see them cut 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 a rateable value of £51,000 or less could be awarded a discount of up to one third off their bill.

Business rates are set by Central Government and the income is collected by local authorities. B&NES Council has now sent application forms to businesses which it thinks qualify for the discount. 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.

Councillor Paul Myers, Cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration, 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 would urge eligible retailers to apply.”

The awards 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 which are not mainly used for the qualifying purpose, will not be eligible.

The amount of discount awarded will be one third of the net Business Rate bill. This means the total amount granted will vary depending on the rateable value of the property. There is no discount for premises with a rateable value of more than £51,000.

The Council will assess eligibility and calculate the total award of the discount to the net Business Rates bill after applying any other relief.

Visit: www.bathnes.gov.uk/business-rate-retail-discount to download, complete the application form and email to: [email protected]