Business Rates

Non-domestic rates or business rates collected by local authorities are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.  The money, together with the revenue from council tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by your local authority

Billing and collection

We issue rate accounts every March. Accounts are based on the rateable value shown in the current local rating list, times a rate multiplier set by central government, subject to a transitional relief scheme. The notes below form part of your national non-domestic rate bill and it is important you read them  when you look at your bill.  

How to pay

Please refer to our Pay a Bill page to find out how and where you can pay.

Your method of payment is shown on your NDR bill. If you wish to change the way you pay contact the Business Rates Section on 01695 587158.

Business rates balance enquiry

Enter the eight digits of your business rates reference number to find out your business rates balance. No personal information - like your business's name and address - is given.

Please note that reference numbers no longer start with 'N'. Enter the eight digits excluding the 'N' e.g N12345678 becomes 12345678.

Rateable value

If you have a query about the valuation rate given to your property, you need to contact www.gov.uk/contact-voa

 

Revaluation

What is a revaluation?

  • The Valuation Office Agency regularly reassess and update the rateable values of all business properties – usually every 3 years. This is called a revaluation. This is done to make sure rateable values reflect change in the property market.

  • Revaluations maintain fairness in the system. They help to redistribute the total amount payable in business rates. They are not carried out to generate extra revenue.

How can I find out more?

  • For more information on revaluation, rateable values and business rates, visit revaluation (external link). You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief that may apply.

Business rates forms and reliefs

Business rates - freedom of information

We often receive requests for information relating to non-domestic properties, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

To reduce the number of similar requests, the most commonly requested information is published below.

These reports are refreshed on a quarterly basis

Data limitations

We do not provide details of individuals / sole traders, as this is personal information. This information is exempt under section 40 (personal information) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), as the information constitutes third party data. Section 40(2) provides that personal data about third parties is exempt information if one of the conditions set out in section 40(3) is satisfied. Under the FOI Act disclosure of this information would breach the fair processing principle contained in the Data Protection Act (DPA), where it would be unfair to that person/is confidential.

We do not provide details to directly identify empty and unused property. This is a crime prevention measure and is covered by section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Correspondence addresses have been excluded as these have been provided for business rate purposes only. Registered office addresses are available at Companies House.

Disclosure of credit information is withheld under section 31(1) (a) as it would prejudice the prevention of crime.

Lists available

All live business rates accounts and relief details. All live business rates accounts and relief details quarter2 

Office opening hours

If you need to provide documentation to the Business Rates Service you can do this via email to business.rates@westlancs.gov.uk or alternatively you can deposit any necessary documentation into the post box at the main Council Office building at Derby Street, Ormskirk. Please ensure you include your name, address and account reference number, if known, on any documents you provide.

Further advice

If you are experiencing financial difficulties you may wish to seek independent advice from:

Citizens Advice

Web: Citizens Advice (external link) 
Local office: Unit 137, The Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 6LN
Tel: 0808 278 7880
Fax: 01695 728910

Business Engagement Team

The Council's Business Engagement Team offer a one stop business support service, click  Business - West Lancashire Borough Council (westlancs.gov.uk) to see how they can help you.

 

NNDR Privacy Notice

Data protection is important to us. Information on how we handle and protect your data including our Corporate Privacy Policy can be found here.