§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent guidelines his Department has published in respect of the uniform business rate relating to rural sub-post offices. [39798]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordOn Wednesday 8 May we published a consultation paper setting out proposals for a new rate relief scheme for village shops. The proposals would help certain small general stores and post offices in rural villages. Qualifying business would see a reduction of at least 50 per cent. in their rates bills. Local authorities would be able to top this up to 100 per cent. and, in addition, would be able to grant relief to other rural shops and businesses which are of benefit to the community.
The consultation period has now ended. We shall consider carefully all comments received before reaching final decisions on the details of the scheme. We will then seek a suitable legislative opportunity to provide for the scheme.