COTSWOLD District Council is awarding business rates relief to almost 250 businesses that have a rateable value of less than £200,000.

Where applicable, the council is issuing business rate bills for 2018/19 with the relief already accounted for in the total rather than requiring individual firms to apply for this separately.

So far it has allocated a total of £142,000, with individual businesses receiving up to £8,400 in relief. However, anyone in receipt of this relief who feels they are not eligible should advise the council within 28 days of receiving their revised bill.

Commenting on this news, CDC Leader Cllr Mark Annett said: “This is great news for many small businesses in the Cotswolds. It’s the second year of relief following the national revaluation of business rates conducted by the Valuation Office Agency which resulted in many firms receiving an increase in their bills last year.

“I must add that, in addition to this scheme, we are also continuing the council’s Small Business Rate relief scheme which applies to eligible businesses occupying premises with a rateable value of less than £15,000.”

For further details go to www.cotswold.gov.uk/business/business-rates/