Non-Domestic Rates, or business rates, collected by local authorities, are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.
Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally.
This provides a direct financial incentive for authorities to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth, since authorities will benefit from growth in business rates revenues. The money, together with revenue from council tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the Government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by South Ribble Borough Council and other service providers in the area.
Further detailed information about the business rates system, including transitional and other reliefs, can be found at www.gov.uk