Ashfield District Council: I am suffering hardship; is there any help available?

I am suffering hardship; is there any help available?

The council has the discretion to allow relief on all or part of your business rates bill. This is called relief under Section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act.

However, we will normally only do this in extreme cases of hardship and for businesses which are particularly important to the local community, taking into consideration the effect of unemployment on the community and the loss of service to the community if the business were to close. This takes account of the fact that local Council Tax payers will cover part of the cost of the relief awarded.

To apply for this relief, you should make a written claim supplying the following information:

The last two years' business accounts certified by the Inland Revenue.
A statement of your current income and expenditure.
Documentary evidence of any other debts outstanding.
A written statement from an independent body (e.g. CAB, Accountant) confirming your current financial situation.
Proof of intention to sell or let the property (e.g. estate agents sale details etc).
Any other information in support of your claim