Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an estimate of the potential impact on the economy of raising the threshold of Rural Rates Relief above the rateable value of (a) £8,500 for (i) village general stores, (ii) food shops and (iii) post offices and (b) £12,500 for (A) public houses and (B) petrol stations.

Rural Rate Relief aims to ensure that key amenities are available, and community assets protected in rural areas. It provides 100% rate relief for properties that are based in eligible rural areas with populations below 3,000. To be eligible, the business must also be: the only village general store, food shop or post office, with a rateable value of up to £8,500; or the only public house or petrol station, with a rateable value of up to £12,500.

The government is committed to creating a fairer business rates system that protects the high-street, supports investment, and is fit for the 21st century. At Autumn Budget 2024, the government published a discussion paper which sets out priority areas for further reform and invites stakeholders to a conversation about transforming the system over the Parliament.