Business rates relief approved for pubs and rural businesses in Vale of White Horse
The council says the scheme will help meet rising costs
Pubs and essential rural businesses across the Vale of White Horse are set to benefit from a new business rates relief scheme for 2026/27.
Around 120 businesses are expected to receive the one-off discretionary relief, with the council saying the package is designed to help firms facing rising costs while protecting services that are vital to local communities.
The scheme includes a 15% business rates relief top-up for all 78 eligible pubs across the district, matching the level of support already provided by the government.
It will also provide a new 15% discretionary relief for some rural businesses that are the only business of their kind in a village or rural settlement - such as a post office, village shop or petrol station - which are not eligible for mandatory Rural Rate Relief because of their rateable value.
Vale of White Horse District Council says the relief will be applied automatically to eligible business rates accounts, with revised bills expected to be issued within the next month.
Councillor Mark Coleman, the council's Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "Pubs and rural businesses provide so much more than the services they offer – they are places where communities come together and they play a vital role in the local economy.
"We know many continue to face significant financial pressures, so I'm delighted we've been able to approve this package of support. By automatically applying this relief, we're making sure eligible businesses receive this help as quickly and easily as possible."
Council leader Bethia Thomas said pubs and rural businesses were "integral to the character and success" of towns and villages across the district.
"We will continue working closely with local businesses and campaigning for greater support from government so they can continue to thrive in the years ahead," she added.
Councillor Thomas will also write to the government calling for a review of how business rates are calculated, arguing the current system has an unfair impact on rural communities and businesses.