Business rates - Information pack 2025/2026
A guide to Business Rates including what they are, who pays them and how rates are calculated.
What are Business Rates?
Non-Domestic Rates or business rates are collected by the local authority from those who occupy non-domestic property. Non-Domestic Rates or business rates contribute towards the cost of local services.
Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1st April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates which have been paid locally.
The proportion of the business rates kept by the Local Authority, together with revenue from council tax payers, the revenue support grant provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by your local authority and other local authorities in your area.
How are Business Rates Calculated?
Basildon Council issue bills and collect payment but we do not set the rateable value or control the amount of business rates you have to pay. The rateable value is set by the GOV.UK - Valuation Office Agency (opens new window).
Further information about the business rates system, including transitional and other reliefs, see GOV.UK - Business premises and business rates (opens new window).
Who has to pay Business Rates?
In most cases, the occupier of the property is responsible for paying business rates. If the property is empty, the owner or leaseholder is responsible for paying the business rates.
Download the Business Rates Information Pack 2025/2026
Click the link below to download this year's quick guide to Business Rates including:
- How Business Rates are calculated
- Updates on Reductions