2015-16 Your business rates explained

2015-16 Your business rates explained how your business rates are calculated page 3 how to pay page 6 reducing your payment page 8 answers to common questions page 11 useful contacts page 14 www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates 1

What do your business rates pay for? The council collects business rates on behalf of the Government, who set the rates each year. Your rate is determined by the rateable value of your property and the business rate multiplier. The rate you pay is based on the rateable value of your property provided to us by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Since 1 April 2013, under new arrangements, instead of business rates being pooled and redistributed to local authorities by central government, the council keeps a proportion of the business rates collected locally to pay for the services we provide, such as street lighting, improving public spaces and keeping streets clean and safe. A proportion still goes to central government and some is given to the Greater London Authority (GLA) to pay for other services, such as police and fire. What are business rates? Business rates or non-domestic rates, as they re also known are the way occupiers of non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services. The money, together with revenue from council tax payers, revenue support grants provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for services provided by the council. Further information about the business rates system is available at www.gov.uk/introduction-to-business-rates. Business Rate Supplements (BRS) The Business Rate Supplements Act 2009 enables levying authorities - county councils, unitary district councils and, in London, the Greater London Authority - to levy a supplement on the business rate to support additional projects aimed at economic development of the area. Business Rate Supplements (BRS) are not applicable to properties with a rateable value of 50,000 or below, and authorities have discretion to increase that threshold. The total maximum BRS which may be levied by a levying authority is 2p per pound of rateable value. Levying authorities have the power to apply such reliefs to the BRS as they think appropriate and in such cases must include an explanation of the rules for the application of those reliefs in the final prospectus for the BRS. The business rate supplement applicable in London is being levied by the Greater London Authority in relation to the Crossrail project. Further information may be found in the Crossrail BRS final prospectus which is available at www.london.gov.uk/crossrail-brs 2

Rateable value and revaluations - The Valuation Office Agency Apart from properties that are exempt from business rates, all nondomestic properties have a rateable value that is set by the valuation officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an agency of Her Majesty s Revenue and Customs. The rateable value of your property is shown on your bill. This broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date. The current rating lists came into effect on 1 April 2010 and are based on the valuation date of 1 April 2008. Five-yearly revaluations make sure each ratepayer pays their fair contribution and no more, by ensuring the share of the national rates bill paid by any one ratepayer reflects changes over time in the value of their property, relative to others. The next revaluation is postponed until 2017 to provide greater stability for businesses and to encourage economic growth. Five yearly revaluations will continue from 2017. For further details of the postponement see: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm121 112/wmstext/121112m0001.htm The VOA draws up and maintains a full list of all rateable values, which are available on their website at www.voa.gov.uk/valuation. Appealing your valuation The Valuation Office Agency may alter the valuation if the circumstances of the property have changed. The ratepayer (and others who have an interest in the property) can appeal against the value shown in the list if they believe it is wrong. To appeal contact: Non-Domestic Rates London Valuation Office Agency, Chase House, 305 Chase Road, Southgate, London N14 6LZ W www.voa.gov.uk E ratinglondon@voa.gsi.gov.uk T 03000 501 501 Information supplied with your business rates bill Information relating to Islington Council s gross expenditure in 2015-16 and previous financial years is available at www.islington.gov.uk/finance. Hard copies are available on request by emailing business.rates@islington.gov.uk, or calling 020 7573 2633. 3

National Business Rating Multiplier The council works out business rates bills by multiplying the rateable value of the property by the appropriate multiplier. There are two multipliers the standard non-domestic rating multiplier and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier. The former is higher to pay for small business rate relief or SBRR (for more information visit www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates). The Government sets the multipliers for each financial year for the whole of England according to formulae set by legislation, except in the City of London where special arrangements apply. Revaluations usually happen every five years, to make sure each ratepayer s contribution is fair. Between revaluations the multipliers change each year in line with inflation and to take account of the cost of small business rate relief. In the year of revaluation, the multipliers are rebased to account for overall changes to total rateable value and to ensure revaluation does not raise extra money for the Government. The current multipliers are shown on your bill. Transitional arrangements The Government has put in place a 2billion transitional relief scheme for those businesses that would have a significant increase in their rates liability. This limits and phases in rate bills changes, which were the result of the 2010 revaluation. To help pay for the limits on increasing businesses bills, there are also limits on reducing businesses bills. If there are any changes to the property after 1 April 2010, transitional arrangements will not normally apply to the part of a bill that relates to any increase in rateable value due to those changes. Changes to your bill as a result of other reasons (such as changes to the amount of small business rate relief) are not covered by transitional arrangements. The transitional arrangements are applied automatically and are shown on the front of your business rates bill. You can get more information about transitional arrangements and other reliefs on the website www.gov.uk, by emailing business.rates@islington.gov.uk or by calling us on 020 7527 2633. For more information on the 2010 revaluation, visit www.voa.gov.uk 4

Rating advisers Ratepayers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. Appeals against rateable values can be made free of charge. However, ratepayers who do wish to be represented should be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS www.rics.org) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuations (IRRV www.irrv.org.uk) are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct. Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract. Unoccupied property rating Business rates will not be payable in the first three months that a property is empty. This is extended to six months in the case of certain industrial properties. After this period, rates are payable in full unless the unoccupied property rate has been reduced by the Government by order. In most cases the unoccupied property rate is zero for properties owned by charities and community amateur sports clubs. In addition, there are a number of exemptions from the unoccupied property rate. You can get full details of exemptions by emailing us at business.rates@islington.gov.uk or calling us on 020 7527 2633. If the unoccupied property rate for the financial year has been reduced by order, it will be shown on your bill. From October 2013, the Government has introduced a new temporary measure for unoccupied new build non-domestic properties. This means that properties that come on to the list between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 will be exempt from unoccupied property rates for up to 18 months (up to state aid limits). To qualify, the property must also have been completed (ready for occupation) no longer than 18 months previously. The 18 month period includes the initial three or six month exemption and so properties may, if unoccupied, be exempt from non-domestic rates for an extra 12 or 15 months. At the end of the 18 month period, if the property is still unoccupied normal business rates will apply. The Government is also giving funding to local authorities so that they can provide a 50% discount for 18 months for those businesses that move into retail premises that have been empty for a year or more. This is available for businesses which move into empty premises between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2016. 5

Partly occupied property relief A ratepayer is liable for the full non-domestic rate whether the property is wholly occupied or only partly occupied. Where a property is partly occupied for a short time, the local authority has discretion in certain cases to award relief in respect of the unoccupied part. You can get full details by emailing us at business.rates@islington.gov.uk or by calling us on 020 7527 2633. Paying your business rates We want to make paying your business rates as straightforward as possible. Here you ll find a variety of different ways you can pay. Paying by instalments However you pay, you can pay your business rates by instalments, allowing you to spread your payments. Please note that if you fall behind or make payments late, you will have to pay the full amount you owe. Please call 020 7527 2633 for more information. You can ask to pay your business rates in 12 monthly instalments by calling us on 0207 527 2633 by 20th March 2015. Direct Debit Direct Debit is the most convenient way to pay as you don t need to remember your payment dates! You can now pay up to 12 instalments throughout the year, instead of ten, and also have the choice of four payment dates 1st, 8th, 15th and 23rd of the month. To set up a Direct Debit visit www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates If you pay by Direct Debit it s your responsibility to make sure there s enough money in your account each month. If there is not, your bank or building society may charge you fees or interest. Online You can make online debit card payments by visiting www.islington.gov.uk/payit 6

By phone Debit card payments can be made over the phone. Call our 24-hour automated service on 020 7527 8000 and have the reference number on your bill and your bank card ready. By telephone/internet banking To pay your bill using your bank s telephone or internet banking service, please quote Islington Council s bank account number 60101295 and sort code 08-90-33, together with your eight digit business rates reference number. By cheque Cheques should be made out to Islington Council. Remember that you need to allow at least five working days for a cheque or bank payment to clear. Please ensure you have written your business rates account number on the back of your cheque. We cannot accept post-dated cheques. Send your cheques to the address below. We are here to help If you are having problems paying your business rates, or would like more information about business rates, please contact us at: Revenues and Benefits W www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates E business.rates@islington.gov.uk T 020 7527 2633 A PO Box 34750, N7 9WF If you are not happy with the response you receive, contact: complaints.benefits@islington.gov.uk If you are still not satisfied, you can make a formal written complaint to: Head of Revenues PO Box 34750, N7 9WF. 7

8 Paying your share Businesses that fail to pay their bill will face legal action. If we don t receive the full amount within 14 days of asking for it, we will take legal action. This will inevitably mean having to pay extra costs on top of the outstanding business rates. If there is still a failure to pay, we have the right to take action such as calling in bailiffs to seize goods up to the amount you owe. We may also take bankruptcy action that could affect your ability to carry out your business or get credit. Personal Information Please note: Any personal information you give us is held securely and will be used only for council purposes. Information that was collected for one purpose may be used for another council purpose, unless there are legal restrictions preventing this. Islington Council may share information where necessary with other organisations, including (but not limited to) where it is appropriate to protect public funds and/or prevent fraud in line with the National Fraud Initiative guidelines. The use of data by the Audit Commission in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. Please see www.islington.gov.uk/dataprotection for more information. Reducing your payment Some businesses and organisations may be eligible for relief on their rates. Small Business Rate Relief Ratepayers will be eligible for small business rate relief if: they are not entitled to another relief or are liable for unoccupied property rates; and occupy a property with a rateable value which does not exceed 25,499 in London ( 17,999 outside of London) If these criteria are satisfied, ratepayers will have their bill calculated using the lower small business non-domestic rating multiplier, rather than the national non-domestic rating multiplier. An application for Small Business Rate Relief is not required. Where a ratepayer meets the eligibility criteria and has not received the relief they should contact the council. Provided the ratepayer continues to satisfy the conditions for relief which apply at the relevant time as regards the property and the ratepayer, they will automatically continue to receive relief in each new valuation period.

In addition, if the sole or main property has a rateable value which does not exceed 12,000, the ratepayer will receive a percentage reduction in their rates bill. The Government has doubled the usual level of relief until 31 March 2015. This means that there will be nothing to pay on properties with a rateable value of below 6,000 these properties would usually qualify for a 50% reduction. This percentage reduction (relief) is only available to ratepayers who occupy either: (a) one property, or (b) one main property and other additional properties providing (b) those additional properties each have a rateable value which (b) does not exceed 2,599. The rateable value of the property mentioned in (a), or the aggregate rateable value of all the properties mentioned in (b), must not exceed 17,999 outside London or 25,499 in London on each day for which relief is being sought. If the rateable value, or aggregate rateable value, increases above those levels, relief will cease from the day of the increase. Certain changes in circumstances will need to be notified to the council by a ratepayer who is in receipt of relief (other changes will be picked up by the council). The changes which should be notified are: (a) the ratepayer taking up occupation of an additional property, (b) an increase in the rateable value of a property occupied by the (b) ratepayer in an area other than the area of the local authority (b) which granted the relief. If you are not claiming and think you may be eligible, email us at business.rates@islington.gov.uk, or call 020 7527 2633. There is more information about relief on rates on page 10. Local Discounts Local authorities have a general power to grant discretionary local discounts. Full details can be obtained from the local authority. 9

Discount for certain premises with rateable value below 50,000 The Government announced in December 2014 that it will provide a relief of up to 1,500 to certain occupied retail properties with a rateable value of 50,000 or less in the years 2015-16. Details of how to apply can be found at www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates Charity and Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) Relief Charities and registered CASCs are entitled to 80% relief where the property is occupied by the charity or the CASC, and is wholly or mainly used for the charitable purposes of the charity (or of that and other charities), or for the purposes of the CASC (or of that and other CASCs). You can get more information by emailing business.rates@islington.gov.uk or by calling us on 020 7527 2633. Non-Profit Making Organisation Relief The council has discretion to give relief to non-profit making organisations. For full details, email business.rates@islington.gov.uk or call us on 020 7527 2633. Hardship Relief The council has discretion to give relief in special circumstances. For full details, email business.rates@islington.gov.uk or call us on 020 7527 2633. Cancellation of Backdated Rates Liabilities The Government has put in place regulations to allow for the cancellation of certain backdated rates bills. Details of the Non- Domestic Rating (Cancellation of Backdated Liabilities) Regulations 2012 can be found on www.legislation.gov.uk Information on the type of backdated rates liability that can be cancelled is available in the Business Rates Information letter titled Cancellation of Backdated Rates: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/8187/business_rates_information_letter_4-2012.pdf 10

Answers to common questions about business rates Has my Ratable Value changed? All business rates properties were subject to a National Revaluation in 2010. How can I challenge the new value if I think it is wrong? You can lodge an appeal with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) but in the meantime you will need to pay the amount shown on your bill. Contact details for the VOA are on page 3. What is the Business Rates Supplement (BRS) and where can I find out more about it? It is a charge raised by the Greater London Authority (GLA) to contribute towards the Crossrail project. Visit www.london.gov.uk/crossrail-brs for more information. What is being done to help small businesses? Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) can be claimed if your rateable value is less than 25,500 and you are a single business. If you think you may qualify there is more information on page 8 or visit our website www.islington.gov.uk/business What is the easiest way to pay? Direct Debit is, and to make it even easier for you to pay your Business Rates we offer the option of 12 instalments. You also have the choice of four payment dates in the month the 1st, 8th, 15th and the 23rd. 11

Council budget 1 We receive income from council tax, business rates and funds from the Government. Information Supplied with Demand Notices Information relating to the relevant and previous financial years in regard to the gross expenditure of the local authority is available at www.islington.gov. uk/counciltax. A hard copy is available on request by writing to the council or at 0207 527 2633. 1 Subject to council approval on 26 February 2015. 12

Useful contacts Employment support and helping your local community We encourage and support local businesses who are interested in offering Islington residents opportunities such as work experience placements, apprenticeships or mentoring. If you might be able to help a local person improve their work skills or experience, please contact our Business Employment Support Team (BEST): W www.islington.gov.uk/best E best@islington.gov.uk T 020 7527 3465 Trading standards: Contact us for advice on the sale of goods, consumer protection laws, underage and proxy sales, illegal street trading, counterfeit goods and more. W www.islington.gov.uk/tradingstandardsadvice E trading.standards@islington.gov.uk T 020 7527 3198 Parking: Everything you need to know about parking, including applying for a business permit, buying business visitor vouchers, paying a fine and parking restrictions, can be found on our website. You can also apply for a business parking bay across the whole borough visit the website to find out more and to apply. W www.islington.gov.uk/parking Our resident roamer parking scheme means anyone with a resident permit can park free in any resident parking bay between 11am-3pm Monday-Saturday, with some restrictions on Arsenal match days and event days. 13

Rubbish and recycling collections for businesses: Our business waste and recycling collection service is highquality, competively priced and can be tailored to meet your business need. You can choose from a wide range of flexible collection options, using either bins or sacks. Just call our Commercial Waste team for further information. Please note: your business has a statutory duty to store, transport and dispose of waste legally. Should you need advice or guidance on complying with legislation the team will be happy to help. W www.islington.gov.uk/businesswaste T 0207 527 4900 Free electronic and electrical equipment recycling for businesses: Use this free service to recycle your unwanted electrical goods legally, securely and responsibly. From laptops to fridges to hairdryers and vacuum cleaners, you can book a collection online. W www.123recycleforfree.com T 0800 085 1050 Anti-social behaviour hotline: If you are bothered by anti-social behaviour, for example street drinking, dumped rubbish or graffiti causing a nuisance in your community, we encourage you to report it so we can take action. W www.islington.gov.uk/reportasb T 020 7527 7272 We have anti-social behaviour officers on duty between 4pm- 2am, Sunday to Thursday, and 5pm-4am Friday and Saturday who can come and investigate. 14

Do you need advice on construction projects? Our Building Control service ensures your project complies with national building regulations. It is run by qualified, experienced surveyors and we cover all types of building projects from house extensions to major construction projects. W www.islington.gov.uk/buildingcontrol E building.control@islington.gov.uk T 020 7527 5999 Are you thinking of extending or altering your premises but need some help with your planning application? Book an appointment with an experienced Planning Officer for advice before you submit your application to help resolve issues upfront and speed up the process. We offer a range of advice services, depending on the advice you need and the scale of your development proposal. Visit the website for more information and booking instructions. W www.islington.gov.uk/planningadvice Need a speedier broadband connection? Your business could get up to 3,000 towards high speed broadband. To find out more and apply, visit london.gov.uk/broadband If you would like more information or this document in large print or Braille, audiotape or in another language, please contact 020 7527 2000. If you would like to know more about business rates, please contact: business.rates@islington.gov.uk 020 7527 2633 www.islington.gov.uk/businessrates Published February 2015. 15