If you are experiencing financial difficulties you
must contact us immediately to discuss the situation.
We can issue a summons on your account and work out an
alternative repayment plan.
However, we have no power to write off the Business Rates
on the grounds of financial hardship.
Any business can apply for hardship relief if they can show the
following:
- The business would suffer hardship or cease to trade if relief
was not granted and
- It is in the interests of Council Tax payers for relief to be
granted.
Relief may only be granted for a period within the
current financial year and is subject to review.
An application needs to be supported by current
trading figures as well as previously audited accounts or accounts
accepted by the Revenues and Customs Dept. In assessing an
application regard will be had to employment issues for your
business or any related business and the impact that the loss of
your business would have on the local area.
As this is a discretionary power there is no
formal appeal process against our decision.
You must continue to pay your business rates whilst
the application is being considered and any overpayment will be
refunded as necessary.
If you are having trouble paying due to financial hardship
contact our business
rates customer services to discuss your options.
If you do not pay or fall into arrears we will start
legal proceedings, which could lead to a court appearance and even
imprisonment.
For independent advice on debt or money problems visit the
Citizens Advice Bureau or
Bristol Debt Advice
Centre.
