Tell the council you've moved in, and claim your relief
Business rates are the commercial equivalent of council tax, billed by the local council based on your premises' rateable value.
Business rates are the commercial equivalent of council tax, billed by the local council based on your premises' rateable value. You need to tell the council you've become the occupier so they can bill the right business — and at the same time, apply for whatever relief you're eligible for, since most small and mid-sized hospitality venues qualify for a meaningful discount that isn't applied automatically.
Rates are owed from the date you become the ratepayer whether or not the council has invoiced you yet, and reliefs are rarely backdated generously if you claim late — the discount can be worth thousands of pounds a year, so missing it is an expensive oversight.
England
As soon as you take occupation of the premises, ahead of or alongside opening.
Full Small Business Rate Relief for rateable value up to £12,000, tapering to £15,000. Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief additionally discounts eligible hospitality premises — check current percentage and cash cap, as these are reset most years in the Budget.
Scotland
As soon as you take occupation of the premises, ahead of or alongside opening.
Small Business Bonus Scheme can provide up to 100% relief for lower rateable values, tapering as rateable value rises — check current bands with your local council.
Who this is for
Every venue occupying commercial premises, whether leased or owned.
Relief eligibility depends on rateable value and, in some schemes, whether you occupy more than one property — check the specific scheme thresholds.
What you’ll hold
- Business rates account reference
- Relief award confirmation
Watch out for
- Assuming relief is applied automatically — in most councils you have to actively apply, and it isn't always backdated fully if you claim late.
- Not checking whether you already claim relief on another property, which can affect or cap what you can claim at a second premises.
- Ignoring the bill because "the council hasn't caught up yet" — liability starts from occupation, not from when the bill arrives.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Apply for business rate relief checked 2026-09-02
- mygov.scot — Small Business Bonus Scheme checked 2026-09-02
See also
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