§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their policy on rate relief for equestrian enterprises on farms; and [HL1974]
Whether any equestrian enterprises on farms, whether or not still in active operation, will qualify for rate relief; and [HL1975]
Whether any small riding schools not on farms will qualify for rate relief. [HL1976]
§ Lord WhittyAt present the rateable values of stud farms linked to agricultural land and property are reduced by £2,500. This represents a saving of £1,040 on rates bills this year. In announcing an Action Plan for Farming on 30 March, the Prime Minister said that the Government would be consulting publicly on proposals to extend rate relief to horse enterprises linked to farm premises.
Details of the proposals have still be to worked out. Small riding schools not linked to farm premises would not qualify for relief under these proposals, but might qualify for relief under the Government's proposals for rate relief for small businesses. We shall be consulting separately on the details of these.