Hard-pressed West Devon businesses are being offered a recession relief package from West Devon Borough Council to help them through the economic slowdown.

The council has announced measures designed to help hundreds of businesses as the credit crunch tightens.

The council says it will:

l Strive towards paying small businesses for goods and services within ten days of receiving their invoice

l Continue to offer small business rates relief, the hardship relief assistance fund and rural rate relief assistance for firms

l Work with specialist organisations to ensure businesses in the borough are given support and advice on dealing with the issues they are facing.

West Devon already has a good track record of paying invoices promptly within 30 days of receipt — the best in Devon.

Currently almost 60% are paid within ten days and now the council will work towards bills for small businesses being paid by that limit.

Around 760 businesses in West Devon — just over 75% of those eligible — receive small business rates relief. But the council is concerned many businesses in West Devon may still be missing out on money that could make a big difference at this difficult time.

If you own a small business which has a rateable value of below £15,000 you may be eligible for a 50% reduction in your business rates.

To check out if your business is entitled, call 01822 813751 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The council may also be able to help businesses through its discretionary hardship relief assistance and rural rate relief.