§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance on the application of the powers to reduce business rates to 50 per cent. on public houses. [95634]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe village shop rate relief scheme gives billing authorities a discretionary power to grant up to 100 per cent. rates relief to any business in a listed rural settlement, provided the rateable value of the property occupied is less than £10,000 and, in the view of the authority, is used for purposes which are of benefit to the local community. The legislation does not rule out any business or premises from receiving relief, and public houses might therefore qualify.
Guidance on the village shop rate relief scheme and eligibility for discretionary relief was issued to all billing authorities on 12 December 1997.