Business Rates

Business rates are a tax (also known as National Non-Domestic Rate) that relates to all non-domestic properties such as factories, shops and offices. We collect this tax in Islington on behalf of the government.

The government then distributes the tax back to us to help finance local services. The amount received by each local authority depends on the population of the borough.

2008/09 Rates

Business rates bills are issued prior to the start of the financial year, which runs from April to March.

To view this year's Business Rates booklet, click on the link at the bottom of the page.

The rates payable are determined by multiplying the rateable value of your property by a figure known as the rate multiplier. However, some properties do attract transitional relief, which can alter the amount due.

The Valuation Office Agency sets the rateable value of your property and revalues all business properties once every five years.

Business Changes

If you have moved premises, or your business rates liability is affected by other changes in occupation please notify the Business Rates Office on the details listed below.

You will need to download and complete a Change of Circumstances form below.

Reductions

If your business is a charity, you can receive a reduction for any non-domestic property that is wholly or mainly used for charitable purposes. The council gives relief on 80% of the bill. You can contact the business rates section on 020 7527 2633 to provide your charity registration number.

If it decides, the council can give a further discount on the rest of the bill. However, the budget for additional discretionary rate relief is limited so you should apply in advance of the new financial year for relief to be considered. As the term implies, discretionary rate relief is given solely at the council's discretion, with each application considered on its merits. In deciding whom to fund the council will give priority to the following:

• local organisations, managed by people who work or live in the borough
• organisations whose activities are local and primarily aimed at residents of the borough
• organisations which actively encourage membership from, and serve the needs of, particular sections of the community, e.g. ethnic minorities, women, people with disabilities, lesbian and gay men, young people or older people
• organisations providing education or training
• self-help groups not receiving grants
• organisations that relieve the council of providing certain facilities
• organisations that encourage new activities in the area

The council can also provide relief on rates bills for properties that are occupied by not-for-profit organisations.

We can also consider giving rate relief in cases of hardship, or where part of a property is not used for a certain period.

You can apply for discretionary rate relief by using the online form under Do it online.

Questions

Questions regarding billing and collection should be made directly to the Revenues Service (Business Rates Section). The Revenues Service is the council's service division responsible for billing and collection of business rates. It is part of the Finance Department.

Contact

Head of Revenues
Business Rates Section
Islington Council
PO Box 10541
222 Upper Street
London N1 1YJ

Tel: 020 7527 2633 (8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: business.rates@islington.gov.uk

Opening hours for counter visits: 8.30am - 6pm, Monday to Friday

For enquiries about rateable values, contact:
London City Group Valuation Office
New Court
48 Carey Street
London WC2A 2JE

Tel: 020 7530 7200