Coronavirus: Business rates and advice to businesses

We know that in light of the Chancellor’s announcement earlier this week, businesses have questions about what it means for them.

Business rates bills that were printed before the most recent government announcements have already been delivered to businesses.

Businesses that qualify for the new expanded retail rate relief can ignore their bills.

We are taking action so that we will not collect direct debits on 1 April, and qualifying ratepayers who pay by other methods are asked not to make payments.

Businesses do not need to contact us to claim the relief – we will proactively identify them and resend updated bills.

In the meantime please refer to the government’s advice for employers, which will help you provide advice to your staff on:

• how to help prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
• what to do if someone with suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting
• what advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas, as outlined by the Chief Medical Officer
• advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID-19