The increase in the level of the retail discount from
one-third to 50 per cent will apply in 2020/21 for eligible
retail businesses occupying a property with a rateable
value less than £51,000.
The extension of the retail discount is to those eligible
music venues and cinemas with a rateable value of less than
£51,000.
The extension of the £1,500 business rates discount for
office space occupied by local newspapers will apply for an
additional 5 years until 31 March 2025.
The pubs discount will provide a £1,000 discount to
eligible pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000
in 2020/21. This is in addition to the retail discount and
will apply after the retail discount.
All reliefs are subject to state aid rules and apply in
England only.
The Government confirms that it will fully fund local
authorities for awarding these reliefs and provide new
burdens funding to local authorities for administrative and
IT costs.
Local authorities should start preparations to include
these changes now, and act promptly to ensure eligible
business receive the increased support in their rates bills
at the start of the financial year.
The Government expects local authorities to ensure these
changes are applied for the start of the 2020/21 billing
period. The Government will publish amended guidance for
the retail discount reflecting these changes as well as
refreshed pubs relief guidance for local authorities.
The Barnett formula will be applied in the usual way.
Consequentials for the devolved administrations will be
confirmed at the Budget.