New rates support approved for Vale pubs and rural businesses

10 July 2026

Pubs and essential rural businesses across the Vale of White Horse are set to receive extra support following the approval of a new one-off discretionary business rates relief scheme for 2026/27. 

The package will provide additional rates relief to around 120 businesses across the Vale, helping pubs across the district meet rising costs while also supporting village shops, post offices and other sole businesses in rural areas that provide a vital service to their community. 

Eligible businesses do not need to apply. Vale of White Horse District Council will automatically award the relief to qualifying business rates accounts, with revised bills confirming the reduced amounts being issued within the next month. 

The scheme includes: 

• A 15 per cent business rates relief top-up to all 78 eligible pubs across the district, matching the level of relief already provided by government. 

• A new 15 per cent discretionary relief for certain other qualifying rural businesses that are the only business of their type within a rural settlement, such as the only post office, village food store or petrol station, but which do not qualify for mandatory Rural Rate Relief because of their rateable value. 

The district council has introduced the discretionary scheme in recognition of the ongoing financial pressures facing hospitality and rural businesses, many of which provide vital services, sustain local jobs and act as valued community hubs. 

Councillor Mark Coleman, 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.” 

Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Our pubs and rural businesses are integral to the character and success of our towns and villages. This new relief scheme is another way we’re backing businesses that make such an important contribution to community life. 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.” 

Cllr Thomas will also write to the government to raise concerns regarding how business rates impact rural communities and businesses unfairly and ask for a review of how business rates are calculated.