Rural rate relief

Certain types of properties in a rural settlement with a population below 3,000 may be entitled to relief.

An eligible ratepayer will be entitled to relief at 100% of the full charge.

Under the scheme, the following businesses in designated rural settlements are entitled to 100% mandatory rate relief:

• the only food shop, general store or post office with a rateable value of less than £8,500
• the only public house or petrol station with a rateable value of up to £12,500
• the property must be occupied.

It is possible for both a general store and a Post Office in the same rural area to qualify for mandatory rate relief, if they both meet the conditions.

To qualify for mandatory relief, a general store must mainly sell both food and general household goods. Only part of the property need be used as a general store. For example, the business of a general store and another business could be carried on side-by-side in one premises. If there are two general stores in the same rural area, neither will qualify for mandatory relief, although, if either functions as a Post Office, relief for this can be claimed separately.

The council can also give discretionary relief of up to 100% for a property in a rural area with a rateable value of £16,500 or less, if we are satisfied that:

• the property is used for purposes which are of benefit to the local community and
• it would be reasonable for the council to award relief, having regard to the interest of the Council Tax payers in the district.

For the financial year 2024/2025 the following areas have been designated as rural settlements for the purpose of considering applications for rural rate relief:

• Chetwynd Parish
• Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish
• Church Aston Parish
• Edgmond Parish
• Ercall Magna Parish
• Eyton Upon the Wealds Moors Parish
• Kynnersley Parish
• Lilleshall Parish
• Little Wenlock Parish
• Preston Upon the Weald Moor Parish
• Rodington Parish
• Tibberton and Cherrington Parish
• Waters Upton Parish.

Last updated: 15/12/2023 12:12