000			01947cam a2200313 4500
001			WB3712-39
008			000000n2001 000 0 eng u
035			_a(Sirsi) u111502
245			_aGovernment lifeline for rural businesses
260			_c2001
490			_aRICS Press Release _v(042) 15 March 2001, (2)
490			_aDaily Telegraph _v16 March 2001, 5(1)
490			_aDETR News Release _v(154) 20 March 2001, (4)
490			_aRICS Press Release _v(pr045) 20 March 2001, (2)
490			_aCountryside Agency Press Release _v(2001/19) 20 March 2001, (2)
490			_aInland Revenue Press Release _v20 March 2001, (1)
490			_aRICS Press Release _v(pr047) 22 March 2001, (2)
520			_aThe environment minister has unveiled a preliminary package of measures for businesses hit by the foot and mouth crisis, including enhanced discretionary and mandatory rate relief, deferred payment of taxes and national insurance contributions, a small business helpline, faster and more flexible DSS procedures, increased support for the Rural Stress Network and matching donations made by the voluntary sector. Further information on rate reduction, applications, which must be made before conditions return to normal, is available at http://www.local.detr.gov.uk/finance/busrats.htm, whilst the Inland Revenue has opened a helpline, Tel: 0845 300 0157. The measures have been welcomed by the RICS, which had called for local authorities to treat rate relief requests by rural businesses sympathetically and for the government to meet the full cost of such rate relief, and the Countryside Agency. Both organisations, however, say the plans fall far short of the required help.
590			_aWB
650			_aRATES
650			_aFOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE
650			_aAID
650			_aRELIEF
650			_aGOVERNMENT
650			_aRURAL BUSINESSES
650			_aLOCAL AUTHORITY RATES
690			_aRural _96268
942			_n0
999			_c66445 _d66445