The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has published a report calling for local authorities to extend the Rural Rate Relief scheme and help safeguard the survival of small businesses.

The report, entitled 'A New Approach to the Rural Economy', highlights that many local authorities have discretionary powers to grant up to 100% rate relief on business rates, but too few actually do because of financial constraints. The FSB is calling for the Treasury to provide extra cash and potentially help rural businesses, such as village shops, pubs and petrol stations, to survive.

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