The government has been giving funding to local authorities so that they can provide a discount worth up to £1,500 a year from 1 April 2017, to office space occupied by local newspapers. This is up to a maximum of one discount per local newspaper title and per hereditament and up to state aid limits. The Government has confirmed that this relief will remain in place until the 31st of March 2025.
The relief will be delivered through local authority discretionary discount powers (under section 47(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988). View the eligibility criteria for this relief as set out in a guidance note: “The case for a business rates relief for local newspapers” (external link).
Apply for Newspaper Relief
If you would like to apply for Newspaper Relief, please contact the business rates team.