About final notices
This section provides information about final notices which the Council sends to late payers of business rates.
Why has a final notice been issued?
A final 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.
In spite of the previous reminder issued to you, your account does not appear to have been kept up to date.
The Council, therefore, has no alternative but to withdraw your right to pay by instalments and insist that the full balance of your account is paid now.
Failure to do so will result in a summons being issued without further warning, which will incur further costs.
The summons will mean that the Council will be able to apply to the magistrates for a liability order which gives additional powers to collect the debt, such as instructing the bailiff.
What should I do if I consider that my organisation is not liable for these charges?
You should contact the Business Rates section immediately.
What if 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.
What if I want to pay by Direct Debit?
A Direct Debit mandate is enclosed with your final notice. Alternatively, click on the link below:
I want to download a Direct Debit mandate (pdf). (70.7K)
Please complete and return it with a cheque to bring your instalments up to date.
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.
What if I have appealed against the rateable value?
Until the issue of this notice your rates remained payable in accordance with the instalments detailed on your account even though you may have an appeal outstanding.
As explained before the whole sum is now due but 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.
What if I cannot pay the sum in full within 7 days?
If you cannot pay the sum in full within 7 days please contact the Business Rates section without delay to discuss the matter.
Is there any 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.
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
Town Hall
Castlefield Road
Reigate
RH2 0SH
01737 276000
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council is not responsible for the content of external sites.
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