 In 2014-15 authorities collected a total of £22.9 billion in business rates, representing 3.53% of the total UK tax income and achieving an average in-year collection rate of 98.1%.On 1 April 2013 a new system of business rates retention began in England.Before April 2013 all business rate income collected by councils formed a single, national pot, which was then distributed by government in the form of formula grant.