Transitional surcharge/relief

Where rateable values had increased due to a revaluation, some ratepayers would find that their rate bill i.e. the actual amount they have to pay would rise considerably. To cushion this rise, the government introduced transitional arrangements, so that ratepayers would not have to pay the whole increase at once, rather the bill would rise by a pre determined % each year.

The yearly % rise would be applied until the correct charge is achieved or for a maximum period of 4 years (whichever comes first). This is shown on your business rate bill as transitional relief.

The percentage by which the bill can go up each year is set by central government.