Business rate relief

Certain types of business in rural villages, with a population below 3000, may qualify for rate relief of 100 per cent.

Businesses that qualify for this relief are: 

• the only general store, post office or food shop in the village, with a rateable value of up to £8,500
• any food shop with a rateable value of up to £8,500
•  the only pub or petrol station in the village with a rateable value of up to £12,500

The property must be occupied to qualify for this relief.

If you no longer qualify due to revaluation

The Supporting Small Business scheme caps business rate bill increases at £600 per year for those businesses losing eligibility for some or all rural rate relief as a result of the 2026 revaluation.

Relief is awarded automatically where the government's eligibility criteria are met.

Apply for relief

If you believe you qualify for this kind of relief, download the form below and return it to us using the details at the bottom of the page.

Rural rate relief application form (PDF, 297kb)