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Tuesday, 20 March, 2001, 17:00 GMT
Rural package at a glance
The government's measures involve some financial help and action to reassure people that large parts of the countryside are open for business.

  • Government is looking at increasing rate relief for affected small businesses from 75% to 95%.

  • The 50% rate relief will be extended to some village pubs and garages.

  • Support for campaigns run by tourism offices to promote attractions in non-affected areas.

  • English Heritage will be opening 200 properties from 1 April.

  • The National Trust will be opening 150 properties.

  • National park and local authorities are looking at which footpaths can be opened safely.

  • British Waterways are re-opening access to many canals.

  • Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise told to be "very sympathetic" to rural businesses in trouble, possibly allowing deferment of payments of taxes and national insurance.

  • Job seekers' allowance to be made available quickly to people thrown out of work by the outbreak and to some self-employed people.

  • Main banks agree to be sympathetic to those affected by giving capital repayment holidays and extending credit.

  • Government will match pound-for-pound voluntary donations made by people to help victims of the crisis.
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    See also:

    14 Mar 01 | UK Politics
    Foot-and-mouth victims promised help
    28 Feb 01 | UK Politics
    Foot-and-mouth 'could delay election'
    26 Feb 01 | UK Politics
    We'll beat foot-and-mouth - Brown
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