Non-Domestic Rates - Guidance
1. local authority guidance on-State aid- for Non-Domestic Rates.
2. Third parties seeking to assist businesses in claiming Non Domestic Rates relief/assistance.
The Scottish Government has become aware that some 'rating consultants' and advisers are approaching businesses in Scotland offering to assist with the application process for the Scottish Government's payment deferral and Small Business Bonus Schemes. In doing so, however, we understand that they are proposing to charge an excessive fee (allegedly up to 50% of relief awarded in the case of the Small Business Bonus). This effectively dilutes the Scottish Government's policy of providing vital support to Scotland's businesses.
The Government encourages businesses to approach their local council (non-domestic rates team) in the first instance for free and impartial advice and information on the application process for the Small Business Bonus Scheme and the Payment deferral scheme.
Any business which receives an excessive quote from one of these advisers may wish to report the matter to the trading standards service in their local area.