Find out what qualifies for a business rate reduction and how to apply.
Where a property is occupied by a charity or trustees of a charity and is used wholly or mainly for charitable purposes (whether of that charity or of that and other charities), the maximum amount payable is 20% of the normal rates bill.
Mandatory relief may also be granted in respect of unoccupied properties. Where the ratepayer is a charity or trustees of a charity and it appears that when next in use the property will be wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes (whether of that charity or of that and other charities), the charge is 10% of the full rates bill.
The question of whether an organisation is a charity or not is usually resolved by reference to the register of charities maintained by the Charity Commissioners. Absence from the register does not mean that an organisation is not a charity because it may be excepted from the register.
The Council has the discretion to give you 100% relief if it is considered appropriate. Each case is looked at on its own merits. This Authority's general policy recommends that all organisations which are registered as charities and are providing local public services can be granted the additional relief. This relief is subject to approval by the Council's Executive.
Your application must be supported by the following:
To apply please email revenues@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends e-mail) or call 01276 707100.
If your application is successful, the entitlement continues from year to year, unless there is any change in circumstance that affects your organisation's entitlement to relief. A review is carried out each year, when all recipients of relief are required to reaffirm that their circumstances have not changed since they last submitted an application.