If you run a shop, office, workshop, pub, or any other non-domestic property in Gnosall, you will probably come across Business Rates. They are basically a local tax on business premises, usually billed by Stafford Borough Council. If you have just taken on a property, or your bill looks odd, a quick check now can save a lot of hassle later.

What Business Rates are (and who sets them)

Business Rates are charged on most non-domestic properties. The amount is normally based on your propertys "rateable value" (set nationally by the Valuation Office Agency) and the current multiplier, with various reliefs that might reduce what you actually pay. The bill and payments are handled locally - for Gnosall, that is Stafford Borough Council.

How to pay your Business Rates

If you simply need to make a payment, Stafford Borough Councils online payment page is usually the fastest route. You will normally need your Business Rates reference from your bill.

Pay Business Rates - Stafford Borough Council online payments

Reliefs and discounts worth checking

Plenty of small local businesses qualify for some help, but it is not always automatic. It is worth checking what you might be entitled to and then asking the council if you are not sure.

• Small Business Rate Relief (common for smaller premises)
• Rural rate relief (may apply in some areas and for certain types of business)
• Charity or community amateur sports club relief (where relevant)
• Empty property relief (if the property is unoccupied)

Start here for official government guidance on Business Rates and reliefs: GOV.UK - Introduction to Business Rates

If your bill looks wrong

If your name, address, or instalments are wrong, or you think a relief has been missed, contact Stafford Borough Council as soon as you can and quote your Business Rates account reference.

If the issue is the rateable value itself, that is not something the council can change directly - it is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). You can check and challenge it through the official service:

GOV.UK - Check and challenge your business rates valuation

Local links that can help

• Stafford Borough Council - billing, payments, relief applications and queries
• Staffordshire County Council - wider local business support and services
• Gnosall Parish Council - local updates and signposting

Downloadable Advice

Non-domestic Business Rates Explained 2023/24

A guide explaining how non-domestic (business) rates are calculated, charged and paid to local authorities. It covers rateable values, multipliers, various reliefs available to businesses, and how the collected rates are used to fund local services.

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Stafford Borough Council Budget 2022/2023

This document outlines Stafford Borough Council's approved revenue and capital spending plans for 2022/2023, detailing budget allocations across five portfolios (Community, Environment, Leisure, Planning & Regeneration, and Resources) and explaining how the council's spending is financed through business rates and council tax.

Download PDF