Business rates – help with making payments

We are putting in place support for businesses as the 100% discount for eligible businesses ends on 30 June.

The government sets business rates for local councils to collect. The announcement that the current Covid restrictions are to be extended for four weeks after the planned 21 June unlocking does not include any extension to the 100% discount for business rates.

This means the council will need to send out new bills now to give businesses enough notice.

Eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses as well as nurseries have been receiving full business rates discount.

We understand that this will come at a difficult time for businesses. Some businesses such as shops, hospitality and leisure will, however, be eligible for a 66% discount.

This scheme will run for one year and the discount will be applied to the bill after the application of any reliefs, excluding any local discounts.

Support for businesses

The Business Rates team is writing to businesses to let them know what help is available for people with payment difficulties. 

If your businesses is struggling to make the payments, please contact us to discuss your circumstances.

Small business owners in need of financial support at home may be entitled to claim council tax reduction and other welfare benefits. 

To help us follow up your enquiry more quickly, please include your Business Rates account number, if you have one.  This is the 8-digit number on the top right of your Business Rates bill.

Debt advice information is also available.

You may be eligible for a restart business grant. For more information go to our businesses and employers web page. Closing date for these grants is 30 June 2021.

For anyone affected by Covid, there is information at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/covidhelp

You can also check government support for businesses on GOV.UK.