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Rates Remission - New Businesses

Published 14 August 2026
Rates Rates Remission
Rates Graph Generic Panel

This remission category enables Council to assist new businesses to promote employment and economic development within the District.

A formal application is required for consideration, and this application should outline the reasons for which you are seeking a remission. The application will be investigated and the applicant will receive written response from Council about the outcome.

In the event whereby an applicant is not satisfied with the response, the applicant can request further review in writing and the application will be referred to Council for its consideration. The outcome will be notified within 10 working days of the decision being made.

All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis and are subject to a threshold remission of 50% of rates assessed for a maximum duration of one year. The Remission excludes services for water, sewerage and solid waste collection.

For a full copy of the Rates Remission Policy Click Here or contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 932 4357 or 07 878 0800.

Conditions and Criteria

  • Remission of rates is available to commercial and/ or industrial development that involves the construction, erection or alteration of any building or buildings, fixed plant and machinery, or other works intended to be used for industrial, commercial or administrative purposes. •

  • Residential developments will not qualify for remission. •

  • Remission of rates is available to new businesses or new developments established within the past 12 months. •

  • Applications must be made in writing and supported by:

    • A description of the development 

    • A plan of the development (where possible) 

    • An estimate of costs 

    • An estimate of the likely number of jobs to be created

  • In considering applications for the remission under this part of the policy the Council will have regard to the following:

    • The development is of importance for the future economic development of the District as demonstrated by the scale, type or nature of the development. 

    • The number of new employment opportunities the business/development will create. Generally, development would be expected to create a minimum of one new full time equivalent job. 

    • The amount of new capital investment the development/business will bring into the District. 

    • For avoidance of doubt a small new business with at least one employee would also be considered eligible. 

    • The business demonstrates a long-term commitment to remain and operate in the District. Property ownership or a long-term lease of the property may be accepted as proof of commitment. 

    • The development protects or retains cultural aspects of the district e.g. maintains and protects a heritage building. The development adds improved, new and/or visibly attractive infrastructure or buildings to the District where it would be commercially otherwise unviable to do so.

Please Note:

  • Your Rates Remission Application must be in by 30 April 

  • Rates Remission Applications can only be made for the current or future rating year, remissions will not be back dated. 

  • All Rates must be paid by the due date regardless of the status of your rates remission application.

New Businesses - PDF Application