“Rural rate relief will increase from 50% to 100% from next April, saving a business up to £2900 a year.
The measure was announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his 2016 Autumn Statement on Wednesday (23 November).
This business rate relief is available to businesses in rural areas with a population under 3,000 – but there are additional conditions attached.
The business must be the only village shop or post office with a rateable value of up to £8,500, or the only public house or petrol station with a rateable value of up to £12,500.”
http://www.rsnonline.org.uk/business/chancellor-announces-100-rural-rate-relief
East Devon Watch 
Our rural small business has had 100% business rates relief for several years – so hardly a new measure.
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