§ Mr. SweeneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his proposals for a new rate relief scheme targeted on general stores and post offices in villages, as announced in the White Paper, "A Working Countryside for Wales". [29511]
§ Mr. HagueThe consultation paper I have published today sets out the proposals I promised in the White Paper "A Working Countryside for Wales" to help sustain village shops and post offices.
These proposals will provide significant help to the small general stores and post offices which are a feature of village life and which provide an invaluable service to local people. Many small general stores and post offices will in future be entitled to at least 50 per cent. relief on their business rates. Local authorities will have discretion to top this up to 100 per cent. Local authorities will also have wide discretion to reduce the rates bills of other rural businesses, thereby helping to safeguard rural communities and preserve the fabric of village life.