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When you think your rates bill is too high

Your rates bill is calculated by multiplying the capital valuation of your property by the rate in the pound for your local council area. If you think your rates bill is too high, you can ask Land & Property Services (LPS) to review your property's valuation.

Check your capital valuation

To check the capital valuation of individual properties, go to 'Valuation of domestic properties for rates' page. If you think your property's valuation is incorrect, you can apply online to have the valuation reviewed. 

Following a review, a valuation can go up or down.  LPS can take three months or more to review a valuation. You must continue to pay your rates bill while LPS assesses your review. If your valuation is reduced, LPS will refund the amount you have overpaid or credit the amount due to your rates bill.

Help paying your rates bill

There  are reliefs and entitlements available to some ratepayers to help with rates bills, including:

  • Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
  • Rate Rebate
  • Lone Pensioner Allowance
  • Disabled Person’s Allowance
     
  • Help  paying your rates

If you apply for help, you must continue to pay your rates bill while LPS assesses your application. If your application is successful, LPS will refund the amount you overpaid or credit the amount due to your rate account.

Having difficulty paying your rates

Payment of rates is a legal obligation. If you find it difficult to pay your rates bill, contact LPS to discuss a suitable payment agreement. 

Property prices

The rise and fall of property prices doesn't affect the rates bill you pay. Your domestic rates are calculated on the individual rateable value of your property on 1 January 2005.

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