Government Announces Business Rates Relief for Local Newspapers

The Government will introduce business rates relief for local newspapers for a period of two years starting from 1 April 2017, the Chancellor confirmed in his budget.  

The News Media Association had called on the Government to introduce business rates and looks forward to seeing full details of how the relief will be applied and administered.

The budget document said: “The government will introduce a £1,500 business rates discount for office space occupied by local newspapers in England, up to a maximum of one discount per local newspaper title and per hereditament, and up to state aid limits, for two years from 1 April 2017.”

NMA deputy chief executive Lynne Anderson said: “The NMA is pleased to see in the Budget this afternoon that the Government has progressed its initiative of business rates relief for local newspapers. 

“Publishers have never sought direct public subsidy but local newspapers are vital to democracy and it is good to see the Government supporting a dynamic and vibrant local press. We look forward to seeing the full details of how the initiative will operate.”