Cheers from village pub as council grants rate relief
An Andover pub has been awarded more than £4,000 in rural rate relief as part of Test Valley Borough Council’s commitment to supporting businesses.
The Oak at Smannell has received a 100 percent discretionary relief award from the council for a three-year period, with £4,585 awarded for 2019/20 and similar figures expected for 2020/21 and 2021/22.
The authority can choose to award the relief to businesses that meet a number of criteria and where there is evidence to show that they are a valuable asset within the local community.
Sue Rogers, owner of The Oak, said: “Rural rate relief can make a huge difference to businesses and I would encourage others out there who may be eligible to apply for it. We are very grateful to Test Valley Borough Council for agreeing to award this three-year relief as this is money that we can plough into making the pub a real success. We really value our local residents and customers and hope we can continue to serve them for many years to come.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “The Oak is of major benefit to the local community and is well used, so I am really pleased that we are able to provide this support.
“Rural businesses face many challenges but are often very much at the heart of the community and it is therefore vital that we do all we can to protect these local gems and help ensure they remain a success.”
Any businesses wishing to apply for discretionary rate relief should visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/ratesrelief for more information or call Test Valley Borough Council on 01264 368000.