Discretionary business rates relief

We can give discretionary business rates relief to properties which provide benefits to the local community.

Who can apply

You can only apply for this relief in exceptional circumstances and if you do not qualify for other discretionary reliefs:

• charitable and not for profit relief
• hardship relief
• partly empty (unoccupied) property relief

Information to include in your application

Your application must show:

• long-term benefits for the local community
• use of your property will help deliver 1 or more of our corporate plan (called 'Woking for All') objectives

How to apply

For your application to be reviewed and decided before the next financial year, you must apply before the end of September each year.

We may ask you to provide additional information to support your application.

Before you apply, go section 5 of our Discretionary Business Rates Relief Policy.

Contact us to apply.

Contact us

While we process your application, you must continue to pay your business rates until you hear from us.

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.

Renew your existing relief

You must apply for discretionary relief each year, if your application is: 

• for less than 20% of your business rates bill
• more than £5,000 off your bill

You must apply for discretionary relief every 3 years, if your application is: 

• for less than 20% of your business rates bill
• less than £5,000 off your bill