If you are a business that is only using part of the premises for which you are liable, you may be able to claim a rate relief known as Section 44a Relief.

This is a discretionary relief that the local authority can award if it believes that the part occupation will be for a short time only. For instance your occupation or vacation of a business premises is phased over a period of time or some event, such as fire or flood, has rendered part of your property unusable.

More information is available in the part occupied property relief guidance.