Flood Related Business Rate Queries

Will my business qualify for a reduction in Rates?

Any business premises affected by flood damage to such an extent that the premises are no longer occupied may qualify for an exemption, 100% relief, from business rates for a period of up to 3 months from the date of the flood except if already unoccupied. After the 3-month period rates will be charged at 100% unless the property is exempt e.g. Listed building, (NB. Industrial property will be exempt for 6 months), or has a rateable value of less than 2,600 or until such a time as the property is re-occupied.

Please note following a change in legislation the above rateable value amount of 2,200 has been increased to 15,000 for 2009/2010, 18,000 for 2010/2011 and then back down to 2,600 from 01 April 2011.

What if I continue to trade despite the damage?

Initially, we are not able at this time to grant an exemption or relief to all businesses affected by flooding but you may be able to have your rateable value reduced. If your business suffers financial difficulties because of the flooding we may be able to offer hardship relief on a case-by-case basis.

Can I have my rateable value reduced?

If you believe that the rateable value of your property should be reduced you should discuss this with the Valuation Office. Their general advice is that while flooding will not automatically mean a reduction, individual circumstances will apply and you should contact them as quickly as possible.

Valuation Office Agency,
Worcester Office,
Block A Government Buildings,
Whittington Road,
Worcester, WR5 2LB.
Telephone 03000 507600

Email: westmidlandgroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk

Is there any more help available?

If only part of your business is affected by flooding you may be able to qualify for a reduction. Where a property can be only partially occupied Malvern Hills District Council can ask the Valuation Office to split the rateable value between the occupied and unoccupied parts. Rates are due in full on the occupied part and the unoccupied part would be subject to a nil charge for a period of 3/6 months maximum depending on the type of premises. More information on part occupied relief is available by contacting us.

If your business is experiencing financial difficulties because of the flooding Malvern Hills District Council may be able to offer hardship relief on your rates bill. This could be available to the extent of a full remission of your rates bill while your business is affected by the flooding. The business would have to demonstrate that they would sustain hardship if relief wasn’t granted and cases would have to be considered on a case by case basis.

Further Information

For more information please contact:

South Worcestershire Revenues and Benefits Shared Services
P.O. Box 11, Pershore WR10 1PU

Telephone: 01905 822755 - between 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday.
Email: revenues@swrbss.org