Guidance Notes

Discretionary Relief from Rural Businesses situated in a designated Rural Settlement.

Each application will be formally considered by the Council's Revenues and Benefits Manager and will be dealt with in strictest confidence.

1. Any application for relief should be made on the appropriate application form.
2. Any decision must be made in the interests of the Council Taxpayers of Bridgnorth District Council area.
3. The Revenues and Benefits Manager must be satisfied that without this relief the applicant would suffer hardship.
4. The Revenues and Benefits Manager will consider the value of the business to the locality.
5. The size, location and type of business will also be considered.
6. Relief of up to 100 % can be allowed.
7. Any relief granted would be considered to be effective from the start of the financial year in which the application is received.
8. Any relief is for one year only. Applications have to be renewed each year.
9. Any relief granted will be withdrawn immediately if any business is sold or ceases to trade.
10. Applications will not be considered in respect of businesses, which have ceased trading, as any relief granted in those circumstances would not bring benefits for the local community.
11. The Rateable Value of the property must be below £14,000.