Under the Local Government Finance and Rating Act 1997 the council had to establish and maintain a 'rural settlement list' which identifies settlements, which are:
The 'rural settlement list' is available for inspection in the Non-Domestic Rates office between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Post Offices and
General Stores
The 1997 Act introduced a scheme of both mandatory and discretionary relief for sole post offices and sole 'general stores' in designated villages. Where the council has identified such a property, (which is limited to those with a rateable value of £6,000 or less) mandatory relief of 50% of the bill is granted. To apply for discretionary relief please click here for an application form which can be completed on-line but needs to be printed, signed and returned to us by post.
Public Houses and Petrol Filling Stations
From 5 April 2001 public houses and petrol filling stations, which have a rateable value of £9,000 or less and are within a designated village, are entitled to 50% mandatory relief. Where the council has identified such a property the bill is automatically amended. To apply for discretionary relief please click here for an application form which can be completed on-line but needs to be printed, signed and returned to us by post.
From 15 August 2001 food shops (excluding catering establishments, hot food take-away shops and confectioners) which have a rateable value of £6,000 or less and are within a designated village qualify for 50% mandatory relief. Such shops no longer have to be the sole such establishment in the village. Where the council has identified such a property the bill is automatically amended. To apply for discretionary relief please click here for an application form which can be completed on-line but needs to be printed, signed and returned to us by post.
Newly established
Businesses in former Agricultural Premises
From 15 August 2001 newly established businesses in premises
with a rateable value of £6,000 or less, that were formerly in agricultural
use for a period of 183 days or more in the year before 15 August 2001
qualify for 50% mandatory relief. The relief scheme is to run for a period
of five years from 15 August 2001, but can be extended if necessary if
the government so decides. You can download further information and an
application form for mandatory relief by clicking
here. Please print it out, complete all sections and return it to
the Non-Domestic Rates Section without delay.
In all of the above schemes the council has discretion to remit all or part of the remaining 50%.
The council also has discretion to remit all or part of the rate bill on other property within a designated village where its rateable value is £12,000 or less and the council is satisfied that:
(a) the property is used for purposes which are of benefit to the local community, and
(b) it would be reasonable for the council to award relief, having regard to the interests of the council tax payers in the district.
An application form for discretionary relief (to 'top up' mandatory relief or for those properties where only discretionary relief applies) can be downloaded here. The form can be completed on line but please print it out, ensure all sections are completed, sign and return it to the Non-Domestic Rates Section without delay.
If you require further information please contact the Non-Domestic Rates Section:
By Telephone - Dial 01304 872195
By Fax - Dial 01304 872104
In Writing - to the Non-Domestic Rates Section, Revenues and Benefits Division, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, Kent CT16 3PJ
In person at the above office
If you require further information please contact the Non-Domestic Rates Section:
Telephone: 01304 872195
Fax: 01304 872104
Address: Non-Domestic Rates Section, Revenues and Benefits
Division, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, Kent CT16
3PJ
E-mail: nndr@dover.gov.uk
