Business rate credits
We are no longer publishes this data as recent Information Commissioner Decision Notices have highlighted the fact that this information may be being obtained fraudulently. Therefore, this information is being withheld in accordance with Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act which covers Law Enforcement.
The public interest favours that we do not release this information as to do otherwise would mean the Council being responsible for businesses being defrauded of monies which are rightfully theirs. We are only releasing it to the agents of specific companies where consent has been provided.
Business rate report
We regularly receive requests for lists showing companies that are currently liable for business rates, whether any properties are empty and if relief applies. So, several years ago we made the decision to publish this information and update it on a regular basis.
Our commercial premises download includes the property reference number, description or company name, the address, whether it is vacant or not and whether any relief applies.
It does not show the contact owners address as this would require further and extensive manual interrogation of the spreadsheet to remove any names and home addresses as these are considered personal information under Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act.