Business rates (NNDR) - popular questions

What are National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) / Business Rates?

National Non-Domestic Rates are a statutory tax levied by central government on those responsible for commercial property. National Non-Domestic Rates are also referred to as Business Rates. They are the equivalent of Council Tax for non-domestic properties.

How can I pay my National Non-Domestic Rates?

We accept payment by various methods, please visit our Business rate bills for more details.

My premises are empty, is there an exemption from charges?

If your premises become vacant, you may be eligible to an exemption from rates charges for up to three or six months. Commercial premises are entitled to three months exemption, after which full rates are payable. Premises which are classed as industrial, such as warehouses and factories are entitled to six months exemption, after which full rates are payable.

Also, all vacant premises with a rateable value of less than £2,900 are exempt from paying empty property rates. (For 2010/11 the threshold was £18,000, from 01/04/11 to 31/03/17 it was £2,600.)

Business Rates Reliefs and Reductions

What do my National Non-Domestic Rates pay for?

From 1 April 2013, along with all other Local Authorities, Gosport Borough Council will receive less Government grant but will keep about half of the Business Rates we collect locally providing a financial incentive to improve the local economy. The remainder will continue to go to Central Government for re-allocation to Local Authorities through various grants. Central Government will continue to set the amount of rates you must pay each year.

Part of the money is used to fund services and amenities nationally. Some of the money kept by the local authority will go to pay for local services such as the Police and Fire services. Collection of commercial waste is not covered by National Non-Domestic Rates charges.

How do I apply for Small Business Rate Relief?

See the Small business rate relief (SBRR) for the application form to download information about relief which may be available.

How can I find out the rateable value of my premises or other premises in Gosport?

The rateable values of all commercial properties in Gosport are available by either contacting the Business Rates department on 023 9254 5470 or by looking on the Valuation Office website.

How can I dispute the rateable value of my premises?

The rateable values of properties in Gosport are set by the Valuation Office. You can write to the Valuation Office at their district headquarters in Bristol or you can submit your dispute by emailing  ratingsouthwest@voa.gsi.gov.uk

Non-Domestic Rating - Repair and your Rateable Value (RV) (PDF) [159KB]

You must maintain your rates payment whilst in the process of appealing with the Valuation Office.

If your appeal is successful you may be entitled to a credit refund and interest for any overpayments not subject to recovery action. 

Non-domestic Rates South West
Valuation Office Agency
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay, Bristol
BS1 6PN

Tel:  03000 501501
Fax: 03000 501506

Do we have to pay National Non-Domestic Rates if we are a charity?

Charitable organisations can be entitled to mandatory charitable relief which equates to an 80 per cent discount on rates charges. If you wish to apply for mandatory relief you will need to provide the registered charity number from the Charities Commission and demonstrate that the premises are used for charitable purposes.

There are also concessions available for 'not -for-profit'organisations 'not -for-profit' organisations and 'Community Amateur Sports Clubs'(CASCs). Please contact the Business Rates team on  023 9254 5470 to discuss eligibility for additional relief and to request an application form.

What happens if I do not pay my National Non-Domestic Rates?

National Non-Domestic Rates are a tax and therefore if you fail to make payments in accordance with your payment schedule the local authority is obliged to take recovery action.

A reminder will normally be sent within 10 days of a late payment. If no payment is received within seven days of the reminder, a Summons for the full rates charges for the year can be issued through the Magistrates' Court.

The Summons removes the right of the ratepayer to pay by instalments and there is a charge levied. If you do not pay after receiving the Summons, the Council will apply for a Liability Order through the Court and the debt can be passed to the enforcement agents for collection.

It is important to contact the Business Rates Team if you receive a Summons  as there may be the option of a repayment plan. The team will also be able to advise if there is any additional relief or discounts that you are able to claim. 

If you do not pay your bill after receiving the issue of a  Liability Order, the Council may instruct Enforcement Agents to collect the debt

Where can I go for additional information and advice about running a business in Gosport?

Information and advice regarding running a business is available at www.gov.uk/browse/business and www.investingosport.co.uk.