HUNDREDS of East Hampshire businesses are set to receive discounts on their business rates.
More than 600 businesses from Horndean up to Petersfield and on to Bordon and across to Alton, will pay less for their public services this year, with some enjoying a 33 per cent reduction, in a bid to boost the local economy.
The two schemes are being administered by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) at Penns Place.
Both are also backed by government money.
EHDC Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Guy Shepherd said: “This funding will be a welcome boost to our local businesses.
“The government has made this money available to local councils and it has been up to us to implement the scheme.
“We decided that businesses receiving the Retail Discount Scheme would not be eligible for the Local Discount Scheme as well.
“This is to maximise the number of businesses we can support.
“It is great to think that more than 600 businesses will benefit from these schemes, supporting the local economy across the district.”
The Retail Discount Scheme will give 384 smaller business across East Hampshire one third off their business rates, amounting to rate relief of £1,132,583.
It is aimed at shops, restaurants and pubs with a rateable value of less than £51,000.
A further 283 businesses will be eligible for the Local Discount Scheme.
Businesses with an increase in their rates of more than £600 will receive a 17.5 per cent discount on that rise, amounting to a further £82,124.
Businesses due to get the discounts will be contacted by the council, said Cllr Shepherd.
Business owners who believe they are eligible for the discounts should contact the council on 01730 234159.
For more details visit the council website at: www.easthants.gov.uk/budget-changes