§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the number of sub-post offices which receive (a) 50 per cent, rates relief and (b) 100 per cent, rates relief; and what would be the estimated cost of extending rates relief at (i) 50 per cent, and (ii) 100 per cent, to all sub-post offices; and if he will make a statement. [108906]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe number of rural post offices receiving the 50 per cent, mandatory village shop rate relief and the number to which local authorities have granted discretionary relief of up to 100 per cent, are not collected centrally. However for 1998–99, the last year which figures are available, sole village stores and post offices in England received £2,022,332 in mandatory relief and £1,091,833 in "top up" discretionary relief.
106WWe are unable to estimate the cost of extending both mandatory and discretionary rate relief to all sub post offices because information is not held centrally on the number and rate liabilities of those already receiving village shop rate relief and those which are not. This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.