Non-domestic rates (or 'business rates') collected by councils are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.
From 1 April 2017, Oldham Council will be part of the Greater Manchester 100% Business Rates Retention Pilot. This will see the Council retain 99% of the Business Rates income collected locally (1% is given to the Greater Manchester Fire Authority) rather than pay 50% of this income to Central Government as it has had to do since April 2013.
As a result of the Pilot, Central Government support grants such as the Revenue Support Grant and Public Health Grant will cease to be paid to the Council. Instead income generated through local taxation such as Business Rates and Council Tax, and self-generated income will be needed to pay for the services provided by Oldham Council
Further information about the Business Rates system, including transitional and other reliefs can be obtained at www.gov.uk
