About this data
In the event of a further business grant scheme being announced these datasets may be removed without notice in order to reduce the risk of fraud.
Published data
The following data is included within the data sets:
- Ratepayer's name
- Property address
- Correspondence address (will be redacted if this shows as a domestic residence)
- Type of property
- Current rateable value
- Property reference
- Date liability started
- Whether empty rates apply
- Date when current empty rates started
- Any relief/exemption received
- Type of relief/exemption
- Start date of relief/exemption
Limitations
We have removed accounts relating to an individual (for example sole traders or partnerships) in order to protect their rights under the Data Protection Act.
We do not provide the account number as this information is personal to the ratepayer.
Publishing schedule
Data sets are updated quarterly – in February, May, August and November each year.
Freedom of Information requests: Business rates credits
Credit bill notices are sent to all ratepayers where credits appear on their accounts. We do not publish information about Business Rates accounts that currently have credit balances in response to Freedom of Information requests.
Information in respect of credit balances is considered exempt under section 31(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (prevention or detection of crime).
Whilst we hold this information we believe that its disclosure could result in fraudulent refund claims being made to the Council for these credit balances.
This follows decisions by the Information Commission in respect of requests made to Wandsworth Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in respect of a request for NNDR credit balances. The decisions can be read here:
Engaging section 31 requires a public interest test to be considered: there is a public interest in ensuring the transparency and efficiency of Council business, and also there is a very limited wider public interest.
In favour of withholding the information is the public interest in preventing fraudulent refund claims being made against the Council, and the cost that such fraud places on the public purse.
On this basis, we consider that the public interest in disclosing the information requested is outweighed by the public interest in preventing the risk of fraudulent claims being made.