Hardship relief

Who can apply, how to apply, information to include with your application, what happens after you apply.

We can give discretionary relief if your business is both: 

  • experiencing legitimate hardship
  • important to the local community

Your business should provide a service that is not available elsewhere locally, and its closure would have a significant impact on local jobs or services.

How to apply

Applications for Hardship Relief:

  • will be awarded in exceptional circumstances and given for a limited time only
  • will not be automatically accepted if your business is making a loss and/or facing new competition
  • will not be considered if poor financial decisions have been made by the business rate payer

Before you apply, read our hardship guidance notes – section 3.

Start now

Information to include in your application

Your application must include:

  • details of the reason for an application, including evidence of any exceptional circumstances
  • details of the business and its importance to the local community
  • copies of the last 2 years’ audited accounts
  • other evidence that supports your application
  • the number of people you employ
  • the number who live in Woking, if known

After you apply

We will contact you by post or email within 14 days of our decision.

Our decision is final. There is no formal right of appeal for this discretionary relief.