Rural Rate Relief is available for certain types of businesses situated within a rural area, which has a population of less than 3000. These rural areas are identified in our Rural Settlement list, which is updated annually 

In addition to being within a rural settlement area, the other criteria for relief are based upon the nature of the business and the rateable value of the property that the business operates from. 

Qualifying businesses are:- 

• The sole General Store with a rateable value below £7,000
• The sole Post Office with a rateable value below £7,000
• Any food shop (excluding confectionery stores, take-aways and restaurants) with a rateable value below £7,000
• The sole Public House with a rateable value below £10,500
• The sole Petrol Filling Station with a rateable value below £10,500

If you meet these criteria then you will be entitled to a 50% reduction on the business rates bill for your property.  

We also have the discretion to award further relief to the business on the remaining 50% liability. To be considered for this relief we will require a completed application form together with supporting documentation. An application form is available above.

Other Rural Businesses 

In addition to the above, we can award relief to any other business within an identified rural settlement area that we believe to be of sufficient benefit to the local community. The rateable value of the property that the business operates from must be below £14,000. 

This relief can be up to a maximum of 100% of the rates being charged. This will require a completed application form together with supporting documentation. An application form is available above.