Business Rates

If you are a business owner, make sure you tell us when you, or a tenant, move in or out of a business property.

It is important that you contact the business rates team within 21 days.

This allows us to update our records and issue an accurate bill.  We can also make sure that if you are registering a new business, you have applied for any relief you may be entitled to.

If you are opening a new business or moving an existing business into East Lothian:

Register a new business

If you are vacating a property or moving an existing business out of East Lothian:

End your business rates liability

Empty property relief

If your business property is empty, we may be able to reduce your business rates charge.

• We may be able to award 50% relief from your business rates charge for the first three months that a property is empty. A 10% discount may be awarded after that.
• Empty industrial properties may be awarded a full exemption from paying business rates for the first six months that a property is empty. A 10% discount may be awarded after that.
• Listed buildings and properties with a rateable value under £1,700 don't have to pay business rates at all.

Apply for empty property relief

If you would like more information about your business rates, please don't hesitate to contact our business rates team.

Important information -  cost of living

With the cost of living increasing, many people are finding it difficult to cover essential daily living costs.

A range of measures are available to help people boost their income. Don't assume you're receiving everything you're entitled to, always check, and if you're still struggling or in doubt, get in touch.

Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support