Charities in occupation of a property are entitled to 80% mandatory relief from their rates bill, providing the property is used wholly or mainly for charitable purposes. This leaves a liability of 20% of the charge, although relief up to the remaining 20% may be applied for under the discretionary scheme.

Organisations which are not charities cannot qualify for mandatory rate relief. However, they may apply for discretionary rate relief, providing they are not established for profit and the property is used either for charitable purposes or other purposes which are for the general wellbeing of the community (i.e. sports, social, religious, educational).

This relief is awarded at the discretion of the council and in some circumstances can be up to 100% of the rates payable.

Policy and guidance notes for discretionary rate relief

Before you complete this form

You will need to upload the following evidence on this form:

• The latest 3 years worth of accounts
• A policy that shows the charitable aims of the company
• Company policies, for example Equality and Diversity etc.

Each page will time out after 20 minutes, so please ensure you have the above evidence ready to upload before starting this form.

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