Monthly Business Rates data
We previously published a large amount of Business Rates data. Following a review, we've decided this information will no longer be disclosed either on our website or in response to Freedom of Information requests.
We consider the following categories of data to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act):
- Business name
- Correspondence address and contact details
- Liability start date
- All information relating to exemptions, credit/debit balances and reliefs
We referred to the following cases when making this decision:
- The Appeal Decision of the Information Rights First-tier Tribunal - (Appeal Reference Number: EA/2018/0033) (Westminster)
- The Information Rights First-tier Tribunal – Appeal Reference Number: EA/2018/0055 (Sheffield)
- The Information Commissioners Office decision reference FS50873141 (Cornwall)
In these cases, the Tribunal found that certain information engaged some or all of the exemptions at section 31, 40(2) and 41 of the Act. These relate to:
- empty properties
- business names
- dates of occupation/vacancy
- actual annual rates charged and paid
Available information
The following information is already available in the public domain via the Valuation Office Agency:
- Property reference
- Description of the property (such as ‘Hall and Premises' and ‘Store and Premises)
- Property address (with any personal data removed)
- Current rateable value
- Current rateable value effective date