How to apply for reductions

Empty property

Usually an empty property will be charged an empty property rate of 50% if it is empty longer than three months. However, there are a number of circumstances under which an empty property rate will not apply.

Mandatory relief

Registered charities are entitled to 80% relief on any non-domestic property which is used wholly or mainly for charity work.

Discretionary relief

If a charity has received mandatory relief, we can decide to remove all or part of the remaining 20% of their bill. Relief of up to 100% may be available for properties which are used by certain organisations which are not run for profit, for example, sports, theatre, arts, clubs and so on.

Rural relief - settlements below 3,000 population

A relief scheme exists for certain Post Offices, General Stores, Public Houses, Hotels and Petrol Filling Stations in rural areas.

Small Business Bonus Scheme

A business which owns, leases or is otherwise entitled to occupy properties in Scotland with a combined rateable value up to and including £25,000 is entitled to apply for a reduction in its business rates.

The following levels of relief will apply to the total rateable value

Small Business Bonus Scheme - rate reductions

Up to and including £10,000	100%
£10,001 to £12,000	50%
£12,001 to £25,000 (£18,000 cap per property)	25%

More detailed information on Business Rates can be obtained from the Scottish Government website:

• Scottish Government - Non Domestic Rates

Edinburgh Council administer business rates on behalf of Midlothian Council. Further information can be obtained from Edinburgh Council website:

• Edinburgh Council - Business Rates