The following occupied properties in designated rural settlements can claim 50% rural rate relief:
- The only food shop, general store or post office provided it has a rateable value of £8,500 or less
- The only public house or petrol station provided it has a rateable value of £12,500 or less
To qualify for relief a general store must mainly sell both food and general household goods.
The Government intends to double this relief to 100% and will be changing the law as soon as possible. In the interim, the authority has been asked to consider awarding a further 50% relief using its discretionary powers.