Converted farm building rates to rise

Farmers occupying converted farm buildings could face business rates increase unless they switch government business rate relief schemes.

Farm businesses worth less than £7000 previously received a 50% rates subsidy for occupying buildings previously used for agricultural purposes under the Agricultural Business Rate Relief Scheme.

However this scheme has been replaced with the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, which allows businesses with a rateable value of under £5,000 to receive a 50% subsidy.

Farmers and tenants should apply to their local authority to join the scheme. More information is available at www.mybusinessrates.gov.uk .