Hardship Relief
The council can consider an application for relief of rates under Section 49 of the Local Government Act 1988. Each application should be made in writing and will be considered on its own merits.
Rate relief can be given for both occupied and unoccupied rates. It can be given if the council is satisfied that the ratepayer would sustain hardship if it did not do so, and it is reasonable for the council to do so having regard to the interests of the council tax payers.
Hardship is not defined, and the test of hardship need not be confined solely to financial hardship but could include all relevant factors affecting the ability of a business to meet its liabilities for rates.
To apply for Hardship Relief please download the form, complete and return to us with all documentary evidence.