Reminder notices for business rates
This page gives information about reminder notices which we send to late payers of business rates.
A reminder notice has been issued because either you or your organisation is shown as the ratepayer and one or more instalments have not been received by the due date - the first of each month.
Billing, collection and recovery of the Uniform Business Rate is governed by the Local Government Finance Act 1988.
At the beginning of each financial year, every ratepayer is entitled to pay their charge over 10 monthly instalments and the Council sets the date by or on which payments should be made.
If payment is not received by the due date, the Council is required to issue a reminder notice.
This requires overdue instalments to be paid within 7 days and remaining instalments to be paid on time.
If payment is not made in 7 days the balance becomes due in full and a summons may be issued for the full amount.
Only one reminder per year is required to be issued.
If a later instalment is missed, a Final notice will be issued for the remaining balance which will then be due in full.
Not liable for these charges
If you conisder your organisarion not liable for these charges you should contact the Business Rates section immediately.
Payment was made recently
If you have made a payment, which does not appear to have been recorded, then you must inform the Business Rates section immediately.
Please note that payments made through a bank or post office can take up to 10 days to reach your account, which is why the Council recommends payment by Direct Debit.
Pay by Direct Debit
Call 01737 276691 or 01737 276779 to set up your Direct Debit over the telephone or to request a Direct Debit mandate. Please click on the link below to download one:
Please complete and return it with a cheque to bring your instalments up to date. Payments made by a valid debit or credit card are also accepted.
If you are not able to bring your instalments up to date it may still be possible to pay by Direct Debit. If this is the case please contact the Business Rates section.
Appeals against the rateable value
Your rates remain payable in accordance with the instalments detailed on your account even though you may have an appeal outstanding.
If, as a result of a successful appeal, you have overpaid, the credit will be refunded to you with interest, if applicable, in accordance with the regulations.
Help available to pay the rates
Please refer to Reliefs and reductions or contact the Business Rates section to discuss if you may be entitled to apply for a reduction in your bill.
If relief has already been granted it will be shown on your last bill.
Last updated : 05/03/2010
