Discretionary Rate Relief for Partly Occupied Properties under S44A of the Local Government Finance Act, 1988

How to contact us if you have a query about Business Rates

Phone: (01492) 576609 By Email: nndr.enquiries@conwy.gov.uk

Under the Local Government Finance Act, 1988, a business can apply for Discretionary Relief under Section 44A if the property is unoccupied temporarily – for a short period of time.  This Legislation allows the Council to submit a request to the Valuation Office Agency asking for an apportionment of the occupied and unoccupied areas in order that relief can be considered.

Applications are to be made in writing and can be emailed to nndr.enquiries@conwy.gov.uk or sent to the Business Rate Section, Council Offices, Bodlondeb, Conwy, LL32 8DU.  Please include a plan of the premises clearly indicating the unoccupied part for which relief is claimed for.  Once an application has been received, Conwy’s Property Inspector will visit the property to confirm the accuracy of the submitted plan.  The Council has discretion to accept or refuse an application for S44A Relief, however, if at this stage the application is accepted, a Certificate will be applied for from the Valuation Office Agency showing the apportionment of the Rateable Value of the premises.

S44A may be granted in the following instances:

• Where there is partial occupation to facilitate relocation
• Where there is partial occupation due to a temporary downturn in trade
• Where fire, flood or other natural disaster prevents full use of the premises

Retrospective applications or applications for seasonal properties are unlikely to be awarded.