Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief 2024-25

The relief is offered from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025.

From April 2024 - changes to the scheme

Welsh Government has decided to extend the scheme for another year BUT with some changes. The key points of the new scheme are:

• The relief continues to be aimed at supporting businesses and other ratepayers in Wales in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, for example shops, pubs and restaurants, gyms, performance venues, hotels and community halls which provide services to visiting members of the public. 
• All eligible businesses will need to apply for the relief - if an application is not made the relief cannot be granted and the full amount will be payable.
• The maximum amount of relief will be a discount of 40% on non-domestic rates bills for eligible properties.
• The total amount of relief available is £110,000 across all properties occupied by the same business in Wales. When applying for relief, all businesses are required to make a declaration that the amount of relief they are seeking across Wales does not exceed this cap.
• To be eligible for the relief, the premises should be wholly or mainly used for the qualifying purposes. This is a test on use rather than occupation so properties that are occupied, but not wholly or mainly used for the qualifying purpose, will not qualify for the relief.  

Which businesses / not-for-profit organisations do NOT need to apply for this relief?

• Charities and not-for-profit organisations in receipt of 100% charitable relief. 
• Ratepayers that are entitled to 100% Small Business Rate Relief on all the premises for which they are liable for Non-Domestic Rates (a maximum of two properties in any local authority area). 

Which businesses / not-for-profit organisations operating in the retail, leisure or hospitality sectors DO need to apply for this relief?

• Those occupying premises for which no other relief can be allowed - for example if a business has received Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) on two of the properties it occupies it will not be eligible for SBRR on a third property (or more). An application for RLHRR should therefore be made for the other premises.
• Charities / not-for-profit organisations / sports clubs that are otherwise entitled to less than 100% rate relief on their premises should apply for RLHRR on the remaining balance.

If you are not sure whether you should apply for RHLRR, please email us at business.rates@swansea.gov.uk and we will check for you.

Which businesses are not eligible for this relief?

Welsh Government have provided councils with guidance on the implementation of this scheme which broadly  sets out the types of uses that the Welsh Government does not consider to be retail, leisure or hospitality use and which would not be deemed eligible for the relief. The guidance does not provide an exhaustive list so premises similar in nature to those mentioned may also not be eligible for relief under the scheme.

Guidance can be found on Welsh Government's web page: Non-Domestic Rates – Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief 2024-25 (Business Wales) (opens new window)

Apply online

All eligible businesses will need to apply using our online form. 

To make an application, you will need to have created a Swansea Account. You may have already registered for the account if you have previously applied for previous business grants or other council services. If you do not have a Swansea Account, you will need to create one at the start of the application process.  

Once you have created your Swansea account and / or signed in, you will see a list of headings on the left of your screen. Select Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief Scheme 2024-25.

You will need your business rates account reference to apply. This is shown on your bill.

Apply now for Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief 2024-25 Apply now for Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rate Relief 2024-25

After you've applied

You will be sent an email confirming that your application has been received.

We will then consider your application and will decide:

• If your business is entitled to the relief - we will send you an email to tell you and relief will be applied to your rates account.
• If your business is not eligible - we will send you an email to tell you and explain the reason for our decision.
• If we need more information / evidence to be able to make a decision - we will send you an email to ask for what is needed.

How to pay the business rates that are due

Many Swansea businesses pay by Direct Debit as it's a convenient and easy method to use.

To set up a Direct Debit you can complete and return:  Business rates Direct Debit form (PDF) [109KB]

If you do not have access to a printer, email us at business.rates@swansea.gov.uk and we will send you a form.

Information about other ways to pay: Pay your business rates