Certain types of properties in a rural settlement with a population below 3,000 may be entitled to Rural Rate Relief.
The property must be:
- The only general store, post office or food shop and have a rateable value of less than £8,500, or
- The only public house or petrol station and have a rateable value of less than £12,500
- The property has to be occupied
An eligible ratepayer is entitled to relief at 50% of the full charge whilst the local authority also has discretion to give further relief of 50% on the remaining bill. Wealden DC uses their local discount powers to grant 100% rural rate relief to eligible ratepayers.
There is also a discretionary power to grant up to 100% rate relief to any business in a qualifying rural settlement, provided it has a rateable value of no more than £16,500 and it would be in the interests of the local community that the relief be granted.
The special importance to the local community is a crucial requirement, it is not enough that a business is important to its individual customers, it must have a wider importance to the local population eg. a village shop acts as social centre and meeting place.
The Rural Settlement List is available for view at the Council’s Hailsham offices.
Apply for Rural Rate Relief
If you would like more information about Rural Rate Relief or any other reduction please contact us using our online contact us form.