Retail discount (high street relief)
Since 2019-2020 the Government has provided a Business Rates Retail Discount for retail properties. This is expanded for 2020-2021 to include the leisure and hospitality sectors.
On 3 March 2021 the Government confirmed that the Expanded Retail Discount Scheme will continue to apply in 2021-2022 at 100% for three months from 1 April 2021 to 30 June 202, and at 66% for the remaining period, from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022.
There will be no cash cap on the relief received for the period from 1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021.
From 1 July 2021, relief will be capped at £105,000 per business, or £2 million per business where the business occupies a property that was required, or would have been required, to close, based on the law and guidance applicable on 5 January 2021.
Financial year 2022-2023
For the financial year 2022-2023 the discount will be 50%, up to a maximum cash cap of £110,000.
To qualify a ratepayer must also not exceed the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit of £343,000 over 3 years (including 2022-2023).
The Expanded Retail Discount granted in 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 does not count towards the limit. However, Covid-19 business grants received from local government and any other subsidy claimed under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit over the 3-year period should be counted. Further details of subsidy control can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Where we believe the eligibility criteria has been met, we will be issuing ratepayers with bills showing the uncapped relief of 50%.
