Businesses across Omagh will continue to benefit from several important business rates support schemes, which have now been extended until 31 March 2027. The Department of Finance has confirmed that key non-domestic rate support measures will remain in place for the 2026–27 financial year, helping to ease cost pressures for many local businesses.
These schemes include Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR), the Back in Business scheme, and rural ATM exemptions. Together, they provide financial support for eligible businesses by reducing their annual rates bills.
Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)
Small Business Rate Relief provides varying levels of support depending on the Net Annual Value (NAV) of a business property.
Businesses that qualify for the scheme will automatically receive the appropriate level of rate relief on their annual rates bill for as long as the scheme remains in place.
For many smaller businesses in Omagh and the surrounding area, this relief can make a meaningful difference by reducing overheads and supporting day-to-day operations during a challenging economic period.
The extension of these schemes to March 2027 will offer continued certainty for local businesses planning ahead for the coming financial year.
How much support is available?
There are three levels of SBRR:
- business properties with a NAV of £2,000 or less will receive a reduction of 50% rate relief
- business properties with a NAV of more than £2,000 but not more than £5,000 will receive 25% rate relief
- business properties with a NAV of more than £5,000 but not more than £15,000 will receive a 20% rate relief
There are a number of exclusions for SBRR.
For full details, see Small Business Rate Relief.
Back in Business
The Back in Business rate support scheme has been created to encourage business ratepayers to consider taking on empty retail premises when seeking a business property.
Eligibility
To benefit from the scheme, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- you have begun occupation of business premises on or after 1 April 2024
- the business premises you now occupy were previously unoccupied for a minimum of 12 months prior to the date you occupied the property
- the business premises were previously valued for rates and used for retail purposes; or
- if premises were never occupied, you may still be entitled if the premises could reasonably have been used for retail purposes.
Rates discount
The rates discount of 50% is granted for up to 24 months beginning on the day on which the retail unit becomes occupied.
You’ll need to apply for this rate support.
For full details, see Back in Business rate support.
Rural ATM exemptions
Some non-domestic premises that are exempt or partially exempt from rates, including ATMs in designated rural wards.
For further information, see business rates and types of premises.
Find support for business rates
Read our guidance for details on all available help with business rates.
