Written question asked by Janet Dean (Labour) on Monday, 14 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 November 2005. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Thursday, 17 November 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Village Shops

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the scheme for reduced business rates for village shops.

Answer: No detailed assessment has yet been made of the effectiveness of this scheme.In April 1997 the Government introduced 50 per cent. rate relief for sole village general stores or post offices. In 2001 this was extended to include sole village public houses, petrol stations and village food shops. In addition the local authority can grant discretionary relief. This scheme provided almost £8 million in rate relief to over 8,000 businesses in 2003–04.From 1 April 2005 many small businesses that do not qualify for the relief under this scheme may be eligible for the new small business rate relief.

Secondary information