Written question asked by David Nicholson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 May 1996. It was answered by Paul Beresford (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What is his estimate of the amount of business rate relief in England and Wales, for the latest year for which figures are available, in respect of (a) village shops obtaining reduction or omission of rates under section 69 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and (b) charity shops. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. David Nicholson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the amount of business rate relief in England and Wales, for the latest year for which figures are available, in respect of (a) village shops obtaining reduction or omission of rates under section 69 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 and (b) charity shops.[28606] Sir Paul Beresford: In 1994-95 in England and Wales, £2,309,392 of rate relief was granted to ratepayers under section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988; and £450,935,653 was granted to charities. My Department does not keep information on the breakdown of these figures by types of business.

Secondary information