Are you getting the business rate relief you are entitled to. Business rates retail relief is one of them.

business rates retail and hospitality relief slashed to 40% from 1st April 2025 thanks to Labour Government

Virtually every week we receive enquiries from customers that are not aware that they can claim business rates relief. These are usually scenarios where the customer is under extreme pressure to pay down the current business rates liability and sometimes past years billing periods.

An often misplaced relief is the retail and hospitality one. To get retail relief, the property has to be rated less than £110K, which many are. You need to be trading and doing 50% retail sales. Let’s say your running a business from a warehouse type building, but 50% or more of your sales are from customers visiting your premises and buying goods, you then have a case. Retail relief though needs to be claimed the same year as the billing period, they do not backdate this relief unlike small business rates relief.

Let’s now look at small business rates relief. It amazes me how many customers believe that they cannot get the relief (SBRR) because they think you have to be trading, when in fact you only have to occupy the property. Occupying is different from trading, but the councils sometimes tell you different, claiming you have to be trading. One only needs to occupy the property to claim it.

Empty property relief is another overlooked relief but in fairness the councils often do apply this relief without you having to do anything, but not always as I have seen on a number of occasions. Best to get your billing checked out by a competent rating person such as myself or my colleague Mark Allen. We provide free reviews and if you want us to pursue your case, give us a call and we will help you.

Remember the Labour government are reducing retail and hospitality relief on 1st April 2025 down from 75% to 40% relief. How they can possibly justify this move is unbelievable, but that’s exactly what they have done. So, remember, vote Labour if want less money as that’s the reality come April.

Happy New Year to all of our customers !

Steve Adams / 07415048643 / steve.adams@businessrateadvisors.co.uk

Retail and Hospitality Relief. 75% discount on your business rates bill. It's a big deal.

Did you know that if your business occupies a commercial property with a rateable value of £110,000 or less, and your business trades at 50% or more in retail sales, you could be entitled to claim 75% off your current rates bill. Thats a big deal but not everyone in these commercial properties know that they can claim it. You could be selling kebabs for example from a non retail commercial property, not knowing you can claim 75% reduction in rates. Chances are the council wont inform you, you have to find out for yourself.

Business Rate Advisors Ltd - Five Star Reviews

This past year we have received an uplift in cases where we have helped the business claim the relief. In most of those cases the client had no idea they could claim it.

If your not sure if you can claim it, ask us. We provide a free review of the situation the same as we do with valuation office cases.

Need to discuss your case, give me a call on 07415048643 and I will go over the situation with you.

Steve Adams

www.businessratehelp.co.uk

Business Rate Bailiff Visits: Protecting Your Business with Legal Rights and Practical Tips

Strategies for Business Owners

Dealing with business rate bailiffs can be overwhelming for any business owner. These visits can bring uncertainty and stress, but being prepared can make a significant difference. In this blog post we will explain who bailiffs are, your rights during their visits, and practical advice to help you stay composed while protecting your business interests.

Understanding Bailiff Presence

What Are Business Rate Bailiffs?

Business rate bailiffs are officials who work on behalf of local authorities to collect unpaid business rates. Their primary job is to ensure that debts are paid, which sometimes involves visiting a business to recover the owed amounts or even seizing goods. Around 2% of businesses in the UK struggle with unpaid business rates, making these visits quite common.

Knowing the legal framework around bailiff visits is critical. They must follow guidelines, and their ability to enter your premises is limited by law. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations is the first step to managing any visits confidently.

Key Tips for Handling Business Rate Bailiff Visits

When a bailiff arrives at your premises, it’s essential to keep your composure. Here are actionable strategies for managing the encounter effectively:

1. Verify Their Identity: Always request identification. A legitimate bailiff will have no hesitation in showing their credentials and providing details about the debt they are collecting.

   
   

2. Know Your Rights: If a bailiff does not have the correct authorisation, you can ask them to leave. Understanding your rights can help you feel more confident in these situations.

   
   

3. Do Not Grant Unrestricted Access: You have the right to refuse entry unless the bailiff possesses a warrant. If they attempt to enter without proper documentation, you can deny them access.

   
   

4. Document the Interaction: Keep detailed notes of your interaction, including dates, times, and any direct quotes. This record can be invaluable if you need to escalate the matter later.

   
   

5. Consult a Professional: If the situation feels overwhelming, consider reaching out to a legal advisor or business rates specialist. They can provide specialised guidance tailored to your circumstances.

   
   

Pro Tips:

• Immediate Action: If you find a bailiff at your door, calmly ask for a moment to retrieve their credentials. This not only buys you time but also gives you a moment to think about your next steps.

• Seek Mediation: If you face ongoing issues with business rates, consider requesting a mediation session with the local authority. They may offer solutions, like discounts or payment plans, to help ease your financial burden.

  
  

Essential Legal Rights and Responsibilities During Bailiff Visits

Understanding your legal rights is crucial during bailiff visits:

• Right to Clear Information: You are entitled to clear details regarding the debt, including the total amount owed and any additional fees. Always ask for clarification on anything that seems vague.

  
  

• Protection Against Intimidation: Bailiffs cannot use aggressive tactics. If you feel threatened or harassed, promptly report this behavior to both the bailiff's agency and the relevant authorities.

  
  

• Negotiating Payment Plans: If you can't pay the complete amount right away, proactively discuss a payment plan with the bailiff. Many are open to negotiation, which can ease the burden on your business.

  
  

• Challenge Unlawful Actions: If a bailiff attempts to seize goods without rightful authority, know that you can challenge this through formal complaint procedures.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Managing Bailiff Visits

Business rate bailiff visits can be challenging, but staying informed and prepared is key. Understanding your legal rights enables you to handle visits more effectively, mitigating stress for yourself and your staff. Remember, seeking expert advice is not only advisable but can also provide peace of mind during difficult times. You are not alone—arming yourself with knowledge and support can vastly improve your experience.

Effective Ways to Manage Bailiff Interactions