Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief

The government announced that a new Business Rate Relief Scheme for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Properties would apply for the financial year 2024-2025 at 75% up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business. 

We must make you aware that you do not have to accept the award of this Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief. You do have the option to refuse this reduction in your Business Rates Bill.

If you wish to refuse this discount or believe you will exceed the cash caps, you must advise us by e-mailing business.rates@rbwm.gov.uk. We will then remove the discount and provide you with an amended bill for you to make payments.   

The types of businesses which qualify for the new scheme include those occupied and wholly or mainly being used: 

• as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas or live music venues;
• for assembly and leisure; or
• as hotels, guest and boarding premises or self-catering accommodation.

The types of business that Government does not consider to be an eligible use for the purpose of the new scheme include: 

• financial services e.g. banks, building societies, cash points, bureaux de change, short-term loan providers, betting shops
• medical services e.g. vets, dentists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors
• professional services e.g. solicitors, accountants, insurance agents/financial advisers, employment agencies, estates agents, letting agents
• post office sorting offices 
• premises that are not reasonably accessible to visiting members of the public. 

See the government guidance on the new scheme for more information.

State aid / Subsidy information

In line with the conditions set by the Government, a ratepayer may only claim up to £110,000 of support under the 2024/2024 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme for all their eligible hereditaments. This cash cap applies at a Group company level (holding companies and subsidiaries cannot claim up to the cash cap for each company) and also to organisations which, although not a company, have such an interest in a company that they would, if they were a company, result in it's being the holding company.

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme is subject to the Minimal Financial Assistance limits under the Subsidy Control Act. This means no recipient can receive over £315,000 over a three year period (consisting of the current financial year and the two previous financial years). Covid business grants received from the local government and any other subsidy claimed under the Minimal Financial Assistance or Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit over the three year period will be counted.  

To claim the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief you must not have exceeded either the £110,000 cash cap for 2024/25 or the Minimal Financial Assistance limit of £315,000 over three years (including 2024/25).

Further information can be found on the Government website Subsidy allowance.