Rates Relief Support – Leeds City Council

LCC have recently launched the Discretionary Business Rates Relief Scheme. The scheme is designed to provide extra financial support to businesses “making a positive contribution to inclusive growth.”

It’s worthwhile checking if your business qualifies for this extra relief as the savings are considerable.

Who is eligible?

To apply, your business must have a rateable value between £15,000 to £51,000. Your business should be either:

• a social enterprise
• a young business of up to 3 years
• or any small or medium sized business focused on a social or civic purpose
• Examples of social or civic purposes include:
• inspiring the next generation by working with schools or colleges
• taking on apprentices
• offering training to low paid staff to help them progress
• offering work opportunities to local people with disabilities or health issues and/or those furthest away from the labour market
• paying your staff the living wage
• helping our local area to reduce its impact on the environment
• You can still apply if you can show your business provides a benefit to the local community

Who cannot apply?

You cannot apply if your business is a multi-national company or if you have had other discounts on your 2022/23 business rates bill. This includes:

• small business rate relief
• rural rate relief
• charitable rate relief
• enterprise zone relief
• hardship relief
• retail discount
• local newspaper relief
• exempted buildings and empty buildings relief
• transitional relief if your rates change by more than a certain amount at re-evaluation

How much will I receive?

50% off your 2022/23 business rates bill, up to £15,000 per annum, per business.

How to apply?

To check whether you are eligible and/or to apply visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/business-rates/relief-from-business-rates

If you need some help understanding if you qualify or completing the application process, get in touch.