Business Growth Accelerator Relief

The Business Growth Accelerator Relief (also known as New and Improved Properties) may be available to ratepayers of new build property and to those expanding or making improvements to an existing property. From 1 April 2023 the relief can be applied for in respect of the financial year preceding the financial year in which the application is being made.

The legislation governing this is The Non-Domestic Rates (Relief for New and Improved Properties) (Scotland) Regulations 2022.

What does the new rates relief mean?

New build properties

If your premises are a new build you will pay no Rates until 12 months after the premises become occupied, or four years after the date on which the entry in the valuation roll took effect, whichever is sooner.

This is applicable to a completely new entry in the valuation roll, subject to qualifying criteria. The new entry cannot be part of an entry previously shown on the roll the day before the new entry takes effect, have previously been shown in the Council Tax list or previously have been exempt from valuation.

Expanded or improved premises

Where premises are expanded or improved and the rateable value increases as a result of this, you will not pay this increase for 12 months.

The increase in rateable value cannot be caused by the combination, division or reorganisation of any subject that was shown in a different entry.

The rates for this period will be based on the rateable value prior to any such improvements being made.

Apply for Business Growth Accelerator Relief

You can apply for Business Growth Accelerator Relief through our online form.

If you need any assistance, contact our Customer Advice and Support Service. Contact details can be found below.