Business Rates to Keep Horses?

[bramblesmum]

What do you guys know about it.

Weve had a representative from the council around to say that anyone who keeps a horse will have to pay business rates on that animal nomatter if pet or part of a business by 2015, a chap across the road from me has two ponies in their 30s fully retired and has been told he will be liable to pay business rates on them too when they are retired and stand in a field and are in no way or form making him a penny they are family pets

[specialized]

Potentially a bit of a scary one as it depends how the individual council interprets the law, but they can charge non-domestic rates on stables.

www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=325043

[sarahbing]

Yes, I had a visit back in 2009 and after long discussions and taking legal advice, I was assessed and am charged business rates on my stables, despite them being purely for my own horses with no business being run.
On the positive side, 3 stables and 2 barns come below the threshols that is zero rated, so in other words, I have been exempt since the original assessment! They sent two officials round on two occasions, plus all the correspondence etc. Hmmmm?

[sarahbing]

Although they don't levy the rates on the animal - only the premises so hope in your neighbour's case, it is a misunderstanding

[bramblesmum]

Any ideas why this has popped up now?

[sarahbing]

Have you recently applied for planning permission? That's why I popped up on their radar. Other than that, they told me they employ someone just to drive around looking for equestrian premises to charge, so if you are visible from the road?

[sarahbing]

Just to add, local councils are strapped for cash and will be looking for ways to raise money. When, as part of my discussions on the matter, I pointed out that several friends locally with a similar set up were not charges business rates, their response was 'well if you would like to share their names and addresses with us, we will look into it' Obviously, I didn't, but this is how they will work. I am still feeling very cross about it all to be honest, it seems ridiculous to me but apparently, as Special says, it is the law..

[bramblesmum]

No planning but we are visible from the road am going to call them to find out what is going on as they said it doesnt come into place until 2015 so makes me wonder if its something new

[specialized]

I don't think it is anything new, perhaps your council have decided to implement it from 2015 - I see you are in Cheshire so they might be looking at it as a way to tax rich horse owners lol. Unfortunately once you are on the radar it is hard to shake them off.

[mandal]

Wonder when they're going to tax kennels and dog runs? ;D

[bramblesmum]

Im waiting for a call back, as my OH said its quite unfair as theres no amenaties there and I barely have standing stables as theyre poor quality if I end up having to pay rates and my landlord doesnt reduce rent I will have to sell a fair few and go back to livery grr!

[jill]

Sounds as though it's something to speak to your local councillor about. If it is the legislation and how they are interpreting it, your MP might get involved in clarifying it, or getting an amendment through Parliament. There is no way that should apply to private horse keepers.

[Hannah]

Have you spoken to the BHS? If you are a member, I am sure there is a ratings helpline.

ETA - are you sure he was actually from the council?

[bramblesmum]

Well having spoken to them private non businesses are going to be rateable from as soon as the council finds you.

[clipclop]

Sorry didn't reply to your text - very hectic this week, will fill you in at the end of the week :-)

I'm not sure what rates are on mine atm as it used to be a livery so would have paid business rates then.

Who is liable for the rates when the place is rented? The landlord or tenant?

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