EXPLANATORY NOTE
(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations provide for rate relief in respect of certain small business hereditaments for any financial year ending before 1st April 2015.
Regulation 3 applies to business hereditaments which are wholly occupied, are not an excepted hereditament (as defined) and which are not, in whole or in part, used as a post office. Where the net annual value of such a hereditament does not exceed £2,000, the rates payable are reduced by 50% and where the net annual value of such a hereditament exceeds £2,000 but does not exceed £5,000, the rates payable are reduced by 25%.
Regulation 4 applies to hereditaments the whole or any part of which is used as a post office. Where the net annual value of such a hereditament does not exceed £9,000, no rates are payable and where the net annual value of such a hereditament exceeds £9,000 but does not exceed £12,000, the rates payable are reduced by 50%.
Regulation 5 provides that the reductions under regulations 3 and 4 apply only to the extent that they do not contravene the State Aid rules of the European Community.
Regulations 3, 4 and 6 provide that where rates are payable by the owner rather than the occupier of a small business hereditament, the reduction of rates is conditional on the owner applying the amount of the reduction for the benefit of the occupier.