Rural Rate Relief is available to businesses situated within a rural settlement (with a population below 3,000) that meet the qualifying criteria.
Mandatory rural rate relief
Business that are entitled to 50% mandatory rate relief include:
- a Post Office or general store with a rateable value below £8,500 which is the only one of its type within the rural settlement
- the sole public house or petrol filling station within a rural settlement with a rateable value below £12,500
- village food shops with a rateable value of up to £8,250 that are located in a qualifying rural settlement and sell ‘food for human consumption’ (excludes confectionery and catering such as takeaways)
- new small non-agricultural businesses on farms with rateable values of up to £8,250, whether or not operated by the farmer (up to five years)
Businesses granted mandatory relief can also apply for Discretionary Rate Relief.
Discretionary rural rate relief
Any rural business that has a rateable value below £16,000 and is located in a rural settlement can apply for discretionary rural rate relief.
The council can grant up to 100% discretionary rate relief. Any relief granted will be reviewed after three years.
If you meet the criteria above and would like to make an application, contact us at businessrates@north-herts.gov.uk.