Rural rate relief

From 1 April 2010 certain types of businesses in rural villages with a population below 3,000 may qualify for rate relief of 50%. 

Is my business eligible for rural rate relief?

Businesses that qualify for rural rate relief are:

• the sole general store and the sole post office in the village, provided it has a rateable value of up to £8,500
• any food shop with a rateable value of up to £8,500
• the sole pub and the sole petrol station in the village provided it has a rateable value of up to £12,500

We have the discretion to give further relief on the remaining bill on such property and we also have the discretion to give up to 100% relief to any other business in such a rural village, with a rateable value of up to £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.

How do I apply for rural rate relief?

If you would like to claim relief, or would like further information, please contact us or download an application from our business rate forms page. To be eligible for rural rate relief, a property must be situated in a rural settlement and a list of rural settlements can be downloaded from the resources box to the right.