On the 15th December 2021 the Rating(Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill 2021 received Royal Assent, which means all rating appeals due to the pandemic will now become invalid.
Of particular interest for businesses and local authorities will be the further guidance provided on the Business Rates relief fund of £1.5billion for businesses impacted by Covid-19. Unlike many recent announcements this fund is for those businesses operating outside the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
The fund is to provide support for businesses impacted during 2021, whereas the retail sector will also receive additional help for 2020.
All councils have been given allocations from the fund and you can see the full breakdown here.
The relief is to be provided through the councils Discretionary Relief Schemes and it will be down to each council to devise a scheme that meets the needs of the businesses in their area.
Rating partner at Sanderson Weatherall, Graham Isle commented, “The announcement is a welcome one for many businesses that will now be able to claim relief, but there are still a number of measures that they should be aware of. Landlords with vacant properties will not be able to apply for help though the fund as it only applies to occupied properties, and all relief granted will remain subject to subsidy controls. We would recommend that all businesses seek advice now to clarify their position as all councils could act differently.”
Unsure how the changes will impact your business, please contact your local business rates expert.