A BONUS of £1,000 for businesses has been agreed by West Devon Borough Council, in a bid to provide a boost for local town centres and communities.

The initiative was announced in the Coalition Government's Autumn Statement and will provide business rate relief of up to £1,000 on all occupied retail properties with a rateable value of up to £50,000 for two years.

At a meeting last Tuesday, the council agreed to go ahead with the discretionary rate relief scheme in 2014-15 and to review the scheme prior to implementation in 2015-16.

Council leader Cllr Philip Sanders said: 'I am pleased this rate relief will benefit hard-pressed shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes in our local communities.

'Two thousand pounds over two years for each eligible business is a significant contribution and will help towards maintaining the vibrancy of our town and village centres.'

In West Devon, there are an estimated 481 premises eligible for the retail relief which will reduce the collectable debt by up to £445,000. The council will be reimbursed with 100 percent of the bonus by the Government but not the administration costs.

Businesses do not have to apply for the rate relief.  Although the discount will not appear on the annual bills being sent in March, the council will be sending a revised bill to all those business who qualify before April 5, 2014. Even those qualifying premises currently getting other reliefs will get the bonus. 

There are some exceptions as the rate relief  will not apply to: banks, building societies, cash points, bureaux de change, payday lenders, betting shops, pawn brokers, estate agents, letting agents, employment agencies, vets, dentists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, solicitors, accountants, insurance agents/financial advisers, tutors nor the post office sorting office.

For more information about the new rate relief scheme for businesses visit or call the borough council on 01822 813600.