Freight Transport Rate Relief

Occupiers of freight transport properties are entitled to 75% rate relief. It was introduced throughout the UK in 1929 but was removed in GB in 1963. The public consultation on Business Rate Reliefs published in 2005 proposed that freight transport relief should be retained at its current level for the time being. That received widespread support.

The policy and legislation on the phasing out of industrial derating is being reviewed in April 2007 and it is considered to be an appropriate time to consider whether freight transport relief should continue.

Consequently, the Economic Research Institute of Northern Ireland has undertaken to review the issue alongside their review on industrial derating. The outcome is expected in the autumn of 2007 and consultation will take place with those who may be affected by any change.

The public consultation paper “Rate Reliefs for Business in Northern Ireland” 2005 which covers freight transport and small business relief; and

The Consultation Report, April 2006, following the above consultation is available at:

http://www.ratingreviewni.gov.uk/archive/nondomestic/
non-domestic-background/non-dom-pub-rate-relief-bus.htm