Rural rate relief

This scheme allows for mandatory relief of 50% to be granted to all of the following classes of business, provided that they are situated within a qualifying rural settlement and meet the following criteria:

The types of business that qualify for this relief are:

• Post office - the only such business in the rural settlement, and with a rateable value of £8,500 or less.

• General store - the only such business in the rural settlement, and with a rateable value of £8,500 or less.

• Public house - the only such business in the rural settlement, and with a rateable value of £12,500 or less.

• Petrol filling station - the only such business in the rural settlement, and with a rateable value of £12,500 or less.

• Rural food shop - a business consisting wholly or mainly of the sale by retail of food for human consumption (excluding confectionery and the supply of food for consumption on the premises, or hot food for consumption off the premises), and with a rateable value of £8,500 or less.

Authorities also have discretion to remit all or part of the rate bill of other businesses in a rural settlement which have a rateable value of £16,500 or less, if it is satisfied that the property is used for a purpose which benefits the local community.

General stores are defined as a business whose trade is wholly or mainly the retail sale of food for human consumption (excluding confectionery) and household goods.

Rural settlements are defined in various statutory instruments and also by map reference. They must have a population of no more than 3,000 residents. To see a list of the rural settlements that have been defined by Amber Valley Borough Council contact the business rates section on 01773 841444.

If part of your property is not being used and is completely empty for a short time, you can apply for section 44a relief.  In these circumstances the authority may consider giving you relief to reduce the amount you have to pay. From the 1st April 2010 because of the changes to empty property relief this relief will only be available for 3 months for a non industrial property (unless it is specifically exempted from unoccupied rating by government order) or 6 months for an industrial premises e.g. factories or warehouses (unless it is specifically exempted from unoccupied rating by government order).

Guidance for applicants

The following note are to assist ratepayers in their application and to inform them of the criteria which has been laid down by the council when considering such an application.

• (a) Each application will be treated on its own merits.
• (b) Particular regard will be had to:

1. The service provided by the business and its importance to the local community.
2. The impact on the local community if the business should cease to trade.
3. Where the business customer base is mainly drawn from.
4. Whether the business is competing with, or ancillary to other businesses operating within the rural settlement.

Contact the team directly on 01773 841444 or email nndr@ambervalley.gov.uk