Firms in the Ribble Valley warned they could receive two rates bills

In the 2021 Budget, the Chancellor extended the 100 per cent discount in business rates for eligible nurseries and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to June 30th.

A further 66 per cent discount will apply from July 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022 subject to certain criteria.

Legislation requires local authorities to assume entitlement to the discount when issuing bills, meaning Ribble Valley businesses will soon receive bills showing a 100 per cent discount for the whole year.

They will then receive a revised bill in July for the 33 per cent in business rates due for the remainder of the financial year.

Mark Edmondson, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s head of revenues and benefits, said: “The business rates discount will be granted automatically, if we believe your business is eligible, but if this is not the case or you wish to refuse the discount simply complete and return the form attached to the bill. This may be the case for businesses that are part of a large chain.

“But the most important thing is for businesses to watch out for the second bill, which will arrive in July, when the 100 per cent discount period has ended.”

Further information on the discount can be found at ribblevalley.gov.uk.