Business Rates
If you operate your business from a commercial property, you are required to pay business rates. Business Link provides a wealth of information regarding all aspects of business rates including rateable value, the bill itself and changing or moving premises. If you are starting a business, the site has a dedicated section providing information on how business rates work and a facility that enables you to estimate your rates bill.
Visit the section at the following address:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
How Business Rates are worked out
The Valuation Office applies a rateable value to commercial properties. Further information including rating lists and summary valuations can be found at the following website address or alternatively contact your local Valuation Office on (01642) 416700.
http://www.voa.gov.uk/business_rates/index.htm
Hartlepool Borough Council works out your bill by multiplying the property's rateable value, which is determined by the Valuation Office, by the poundage, which is set by the Government yearly. The Council issues your bill annually and collects payment. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Revenues Section on (01429) 284166 or 284277 or by clicking on the following link:
www.hartlepool.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents
Rates Relief
If you have a small business that has a rateable value of under £15,000 you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% in your rates bill. Further information can be found at:
www.hartlepool.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents
