Local authorities provide information and advice to business owners about the commercial rates they must pay, account balances, rate exemptions and transfers.
Occupiers of rateable commercial properties such as shops, offices, factories, warehouses, hotels and licensed premises must pay commercial rates on their property to the local authority.
Builders and developers can apply to a local authority for a refund on development levies where they plan to construct residential units within certain thresholds and in specific locations.
Local authorities, together with other stakeholders, may run an affordable music education programme for children and young people including participation in choirs and ensembles, as part of the national Music Generation initiative.
You must apply for planning permission if you want to build or demolish property, or significantly alter the use of land or property unless the development is exempt.
You can apply to the local authority to extend the duration of a grant of planning permission if the work is not complete before the grant of planning permission expires.