EDEN District Council’s executive has adopted a scheme of rate relief aimed at retail businesses, worth up to £1,000.

The help is available to retail businesses with a rateable value of less than £50,000. It follows a similar decision by South Lakeland District Council last month.

Businesses including restaurants, hair salons, art galleries, post offices, petrol stations, cafes and pubs can be considered for relief.

Companies such as banks, building societies, estate agents, doctors and solicitors are not included in the scheme, which will last for two years.

Coun Kevin Beaty, Eden District Council’s resources portfolio holder, said: “The Government has acknowledged that retail businesses are experiencing challenges as they look to adapt to changing consumer preferences in how people shop.”