Rate relief for businesses in rural areas

Certain types of business in rural villages, with a population below 3,000 may qualify for rate relief of up to 50%.

Businesses that qualify for this relief are:

  • the sole general store and the sole post office in the village, provided it has a rateable value below £8,500;
  • any food shop consisting of the sale of food for human consumption (excluding confectionery and the supply of food in the course of catering) with a rateable value below £8,500;
  • and the sole pub and the sole petrol station in the village provided it has a rateable value below £12,500.

Local Councils have the discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill on any such property.

The Council may decide to give up to 50% relief to any other business in such a rural village, with a rateable value below £16,500 if it is satisfied that the business is of benefit to the community and having regard to the interests of its Council Tax payers.


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