Avoid charges with business rates payment plan

Businesses in Plymouth are being urged to set up payment plans for their business rates as charges for failure to pay are increased.

Summons and liability orders are issued to businesses that continuously fail to pay their rates to the Council. Last year 619 summons and 456 liability orders were issued to businesses for outstanding rates of £2.835m.

Businesses are expected to pay the costs associated with issuing the notices which has increased this year to £100 for a summons and £50 for a liability order. These costs cover the extra expenses the Council incur, such as administration, correspondence, postage and costs payable to the Magistrates' Court.

Plymouth City Council are urging businesses that are struggling to make their payments to get in touch to agree and commit to regular payment plans to help avoid late payments.

Alternatively businesses can use the Council’s self-service system to view their bills, manage their payments and set up direct debit payments.

Councillor Mark Lowry, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “Businesses are required to pay their rates, which are set out by Central Government and collected by local authorities. There have always been charges for issuing notices to businesses who fail to pay what they owe and the charge for this has increased to meet costs. If these costs are not met by the business it ultimately comes out of the taxpayer’s pocket.

“We understand that some businesses are struggling to pay their rates but instead of ignoring the problem and getting further into debt they should contact us to see what payment options are available.”

Businesses wanting to discuss a payment plan with the Council should contact the Business Rates Team department by calling 01752 304966, alternatively visit our self-service page.