Hundreds of local shops, cafés and other small High Street businesses are invited to apply for a third off their business rates.

Look out for this letter

The council is currently sending out more than 1600 ‘pink envelopes’ urging the borough’s independent retailers to apply a share of a new government funding pot to help boost local high streets.

All businesses have to do is fill in a simple online and they could save hundreds of pounds a year.

The temporary scheme provides a discount to all occupied retail properties with a rateable value of less than £51,000. Those eligible will receive a discount of one third of their business rate bill for each of the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years. Businesses rates are set by national government, not by local councils.

The council’s business spokesman Rory O’Broin said: “Look out for your pink letter and make sure you apply for this discount. We are keen that as many shops as possible apply because small independent stores are the key to attracting shoppers to our high streets.”

Businesses that could qualify for the scheme include shops, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, pubs and bars, post offices, charity shops, hairdressers and beauty salons, dry cleaners, other high street stores, food outlets and services.

Pink envelopes are being delivered over the next week or so. If you don’t receive one but think your business might be eligible, or if you wish to apply straight away, please visit the council’s website.