National Non-Domestic Rates (Business Rates) Discretionary Rate Relief Policy

Overview

The purpose of rural rate relief is to support local communities. The Council must grant mandatory relief in specific circumstances and also has discretionary powers to grant additional relief.

Eligibility

The Council will grant mandatory relief of 50% to certain types of rural properties in a designated rural settlement.

Mandatory relief of 50% of the full charge must be granted where:

• the property is in a designated rural settlement area, (defined as such if it appears to have had a population of 3,000 or less on 31st December each year)
• the property is the only general store, the only post office or a food shop and has a rateable value of less than £8,500
• the property is be the only public house or the only petrol station and has a rateable value of less than £12,500
• the property is be occupied

From 1 April 2017 in addition to mandatory relief the Council may award additional discretionary relief of up to 50%.

Applications

Applicants must provide:

• a completed application form to demonstrate how the application satisfies the eligibility criteria
• any information required that is specific to the type of relief being applied for
• evidence of financial need
• any other information that the Council may consider necessary in order to assess the application

Duration

Mandatory relief is ongoing.