The Small Business Rate Relief scheme provides eligible companies with rates relief of up to 50%. Research by the Essex Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) suggests that some 60% of eligible Essex small businesses do not currently claim relief. Properties with a rateable value of less than £5,000 can benefit from the maximum 50% relief level, with a sliding scale up to £10,000 rateable value. The relief is applied to one property only per company and claims need to be made by 1st September each year.