Thousands of businesses across the borough could be eligible for new discounts on business rates that come into effect on 1 July.

A huge range of businesses – from shops and restaurants to gyms and art galleries – will benefit from the extension of rates discounts for another year. However, applications must be submitted to receive the discounts after June. 

The discount is only available to occupied properties. However, if you had to close your business temporarily due to national lockdown restrictions, you can still qualify.

The business rates discount for nurseries has also been extended. To qualify, they must be on Ofsted’s Early Years Register and be wholly or mainly used for the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Businesses and nurseries, if eligible, could receive:

• 100% discount for the 2020/21 tax year
• 100% discount for the first 3 months of the 2021/22 tax year (1 April 2021 to 30 June 2021)
• up to a 66% discount for the rest of the 2021 to 2022 tax year (1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022)

Details of the business rates discounts, eligibility criteria and application forms are on the council’s website at www.bury.gov.uk/retaildiscountand at www.bury.gov.uk/nurseriesdiscount