Rural rate relief
Some properties in rural areas can receive help with their non-domestic rates. A rural settlement is defined as a settlement with a population of no more than 3,000 which is wholly or partly within a council’s defined rural settlement area.
The scheme is split in to two elements.
Mandatory relief
The first is a mandatory relief scheme that allows 100 per cent relief from rate liability from 1 April 2017. This can be awarded to the only post office, the only general store, the only public house, the only petrol filling station, or a food shop in a ‘designated rural settlement’.
The rateable value of the property at the beginning of the rating year must not exceed a specified amount. For post offices, general stores and food shops the rateable value must be no more than £8,500, whilst for public houses and petrol filling stations the rateable value must be no more than £12,500.
Discretionary relief
The council may also award up to 100 per cent discretionary relief, to any small rural business which is situated in a ‘designated rural settlement’, if the rateable value does not exceed £16,500.
The council has to be satisfied that the business is of benefit to the local community and that it is reasonable to award relief given the cost to the council taxpayers of the district.
To check if you are included in the rural areas covered, you can check our rural settlement list within the guidance notes.
To apply for rural rate relief, please complete and return this application form.
Contacting Business Rates
Please note that calls from a mobile made to the number below will incur an additional charge from your service provider of up to 7p per minute. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. The council is currently working on providing an alternative number that charges at a local call rate.
Contact us - Business rates
0845 300 2839
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialing)
Vale of White Horse District Council
PO Box 161
Erith
DA8 9DR
