What should I do if I'm struggling to pay my Business Rates?

If you are unable to pay your Business Rates please contact us immediately. We may be able to offer alternative payment arrangements and check you are getting any reductions you are entitled to. Do not ignore the debt - it will not go away!

Alternative payment arrangements can be made over weekly, fortnightly or four weekly plans. Monthly instalments can also be paid over 12 months, see our payment page for full details.

The GOV.UK website offers advice on avoiding business cash flow problems.

Failure to pay Business Rates

If you miss an instalment we will send you a reminder giving you seven days to bring your payments up to date.

If you make this payment but miss another instalment, we will send you a final notice telling you to pay the full balance for the year.

If you do not make the payment requested in your reminder, we will start recovery action and further costs will be added.

Business Rates recovery action

We can apply to the Magistrates' court for a Liability Order. The court will send you a summons telling you the amount outstanding; including costs and the date the court will make a decision. If a summons is issued, additional court costs will be payable.

To discuss difficulties in paying your Business Rates, contact us on 01775 761161 selecting 'Business Rates' or email businessrates@sholland.gov.uk.

If you have received a Magistrates' court summons, please see our summons page.