BUSINESSES across South Somerset are being given a helping hand as South Somerset District Councillors have used discretionary powers to introduce a range of Business Rate Relief measures.

Two of the measures; increasing Mandatory Rural Rate Relief to 100 per cent (for eligible ratepayers) and giving a local discount of £1,500 a year for Local Newspapers; were announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

By using the council’s discretionary powers, it has been possible to introduce these measures immediately.

The third measure being introduced is a ‘better buy’ award that increases discretionary Charity Relief to 100 per cent.

Two further measures will be considered by SSDC’s District Executive on April 6.

These are the Supporting Small Businesses Relief and the Business Rate Relief Scheme for Pubs.

The Supporting Small Businesses Relief limits the effective increase in rates for up to five years where a ratepayer is losing some or all of their Small Business or Rural Rate Relief.

The relief for pubs would see eligible pubs receiving £1000 for 2017/18 only.

For more information, you can visit southsomerset.gov.uk or alternatively call the council offices on 01935 462462.