Business Rates Retail Relief Scheme

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Cabinet has agreed to adopt a scheme to grant Business Rate Relief of up to £1,000 to all occupied retail properties in the area with a rateable value of £50,000 or less in 2014/15 and 2015/16.

The council has agreed to adopt a discretionary government scheme, outlined in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2013, under which the government will pay the council fully for the business rate relief offered.

The properties to benefit under the scheme include shops, opticians, post offices, car and caravan showrooms, markets, petrol stations, garden centres, funeral directors, and premises such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and coffee houses. However, it is up to the council to decide if a particular property qualifies by being broadly similar to the guidance provided by the government.

Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economy, investment and inequalities, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to implement this scheme, which we estimate will offer much needed assistance to over 4,000 businesses across the area. I am also particularly pleased that we will be able to introduce it as early as April this year.”

The relief will be automatically awarded to qualifying businesses, so they will not need to complete an application form.

Businesses wanting any further information on the scheme can find it on the council’s website.