Payments and appeals

Annual business rates charges are automatically set over 10 months, from April to January.

Payments and appeals

Please contact us if you wish to pay over 12 instalments instead of 10 from the start of the financial year. Otherwise the number of instalments will depend on the remaining months in the year.

How to pay

• Direct Debit: This is the easiest and most convenient way to pay. You can set up a Direct Debit online.
• BACS: Our account details are as follows: Sort code: 20-49-25, Account number: 8334 5629. To make sure your payment is allocated correctly, please quote your business rates account number on each transaction and email remittance advices to us to [email protected].
• Standing order: Send a completed standing order mandate form (available to download at the bottom of this page) to your bank or building society. You need to set your payment dates at least five days before your instalment due dates in order for the payments to reach us on time.
• Online/telephone: Pay online by debit card at any time, or call us on 0116 454 1012.
• PayPoint: If you are unable to pay by any of the above methods please use the barcode on your bill to pay at any PayPoint outlet.

Changes in circumstances

It is important that you tell us about changes that might affect your business rates, for example:

• Email us if you change your contact address.
• Notify us if you change your business address.
• Notify us if and when you cease trading.
• Email us if a relief or discount you were entitled to no longer applies.

Any changes not reported may result in you paying more than you should, or receiving a backdated bill for higher charges.

How your bill is calculated

The formula for calculating your bill is set by central government. We work out the bill by multiplying the rateable value (RV) of the property by the appropriate multiplier. The two multipliers for 2024-2025 are:

• Standard non-domestic rating multiplier = 54.6p in the pound
• Small business non-domestic rating multiplier = 49.9p in the pound.

In many cases, the above formula will give you your rates bill. But for others there will be further calculations. Details of those calculations will be shown on your bill.

Appeals

Your property has a rateable value (RV) assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). A link to their website is given at the top of this page.

If you do not agree with your property’s RV, or if there has been some major change to it which may affect it, you can appeal to the VOA against its valuation but only after you have completed Check and Challenge. Making an appeal is free. You can do it yourself and do not need to employ a rating agent or advisor. 

Please note that if you lodge an appeal, you must still pay the rates shown on your original bill until the result of your appeal is determined.