How much will I pay?
How much will I pay?
The amount you are charged is based on:
- The rateable value of the property that is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
- A multiplier (rate in the pound) which is set by the government.
The rateable value (RV)
The RV is based on the yearly rent that could be received for the property if it were let on the open market on 1 April 2008, which may not be the same as the rent you actually pay.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) revalues properties every five years. The latest one is effective from April 2010 and used the rental value effective 1 April 2008. This is set by the VOA.
Multiplier
The multiplier (rate in the pound) is set by central government each financial year.
The multipliers cannot go up by more than the rate of inflation (apart from some minor adjustments to counteract losses from appeals and, in relation to the standard multiplier, to pay for small business rate relief).
The current multiplier is shown on the from of your bill.
Reductions
Your business rates can be reduced if you are entitled to the following
- Small business rate relief
- Unoccupied relief
- Charitable and discretionary rate relief
- Transitional arrangements
Your business rates bill will detail any reductions, the amount you should pay and when this should be paid.
Business rates for 2012-13
You can download more information on 
business rates.
