This scheme requires the Council to compile a list of Rural settlements using criteria laid down by the Government. The Council has the power to award rate relief on certain classes of property that appear on that list. They include:
- Public houses
- Petrol filling stations
- Qualifying general stores, post offices and food shops. These are defined as:
- General store or food shop: the trade or business must consist wholly or mainly of the retail sale of food for human consumption. (Excluding confectionary and the supply of food in the course of catering)
- Post Office: must be used for the purposes of a post office within the meaning of the Post Offices Act 1953 and be the only post office in a rural settlement identified in the Rural Settlement List (please contact us for details)
There is two types of rate relief under this scheme:
Mandatory Relief allows for 50% relief to be granted for:
- Qualifying general stores, food shops and post offices where the rateable value is £7,000 or less
- Public houses and petrol filling stations where the rateable value is £10,500 or less and where they are the only business of that type identified in the Rural Settlement List.
Discretionary Relief can be used to either:
- Top up Mandatory rate relief to a maximum of 100%, or
- Give relief up to 100% for any business that does not qualify for the mandatory part-provided its rateable value is £14,000 or less.
If you wish to make an application, please use the 
Rural Rate and Discretionary Relief application form. Please print a copy, complete it and return it to:
The Revenue Manager
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
TQ9 5NE
Alternatively if you would like any further advice or information, please call us on 01803 861234 where someone will be pleased to help you.
