Improvement relief

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

The improvement relief supports businesses to invest in their property.

Who can apply

You can apply for relief if your improvements:

  • increase the ‘rateable value’ of your property
  • increase the size of your property
  • add new features or equipment to your property, such as heating, air conditioning or CCTV

Any improvements to existing features or equipment do not qualify.

You must have occupied the property during and after the improvement works to get improvement relief.

You cannot pass on your improvement relief to anybody else.

How to apply

Contact us to apply.

Contact us

Information to include in your application

Your application must include:

  • floor plans
  • photographic evidence of improvements made
  • your business rates account number 

After you apply

A business rates inspector will visit the premises to assess if improvements have been made.

This assessment will be sent to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). They will make the final decision about whether the relief can be awarded.

A certificate showing the new rateable value will be issued by the VOA by post or email.

If you're application is successful

The improvement relief stops ratepayers paying higher business rates bills on their property for 12 months.

We will decide how much relief you get based on your property’s rateable value and the type of improvements you’ve made.