Opening a Shop - Free Business Rates For A Year?

Stan0000

Hello, I was interested in opening a shop and I was told by someone that if you are a new business you would not have to pay

business rates for the 1st year. I do not believe this to be true as I have not seen any information regarding this. However please could someone confirm this. I tried to call my local council and could not speak to anyone as all I got was automated messages to look on the website for inormation.

Thankyou

Stan0000

Hello, I forgot to mention we are based in Preston, Lancashire.

Thanks

Jeremy535897

This may be what they were thinking of:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/retail-discount

Sandtree

Business rates reductions and relief's - Preston City Council

Do you know the rateable value for the unit?

Stan0000

It is £15,000

Thankyou

Grumpy_chap

Depending upon the rateable value of the premises, you may be eligible for Small Business Rates Relief, which I understand does not have a time limit:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief/small-business-rate-relief