The Scottish Government's 2012 - 13 Business Rates Deferral Scheme will come into force on 1st April 2012 as annual business rates, which are linked to inflation, are set to rise by 5.6%.
Business's can choose to opt-in to this scheme, which allows them to spread the repayment of part of the 5.6% increase over a three year period.
Under the scheme, businesses can choose to defer payment of 60% of the 5.6% increase (equivalent to 3.2% of their total 2012-13 non-domestic rates bill). You will be expected to repay half of the deferred amount in 2013-14, and the other half the following year. There will be no interest payable on the deferred amount.
You will need to tell us that you want to opt-in if you want to take part in the scheme. To do this, you will need to complete the application form, and return it to:
Argyll & Bute Council
Customer and Support Services
Kintyre House
Snipefield Industrial Estate
Campbeltown
PA28 6SY
You may apply for the scheme at any point in the billing year, provided there is at least 3.2% of the total bill outstanding at the time of the application, and that a final notice has not been issued.
You should keep paying your original bill until your are notified that the deferral arrangements are in place.
Any business which allows it's 2012-13 rates bill to get to the final notice stage will automatically lose their right to take part in the scheme.
If you do not want to defer payment, you do not need to do anything - you will receive your 2012-13 bill as normal.
If you have any enquiries about this, you should contact our non-domestic rates team on 01586 555249 / 01586 555220 / 01586 555254 or ndr@argyll-bute.gov.uk.
