CAMPAIGNERS pressing for extra Government help for businesses hit by the foot-and-mouth

crisis have welcomed major changes to the business rate relief scheme, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

Council bosses say the changes will not only provide a much-needed boost for businesses but will also mean extra cash help for authorities including South Lakeland District Council.

However SLDC, which is facing a cash crisis made worse by foot-and-mouth, could still end up paying up to £700,000 in business rate relief, which, after Government reimbursements, could cost the authority around £50,000.

The changes to the business rate relief scheme, announced this week, include extending the period for which businesses can claim from three months (April to June) to nine months (April to December).

This would mean that tradespeople like painters and decorators, who may be affected in the autumn if work dries up because hotels and guest houses have a poor summer, will be able to make a claim.

In addition, the 37 worst hit authorities, including SLDC, Eden and Craven District Councils, will be reimbursed for 95 per cent of the costs of providing relief for businesses with a rateable value between £12,000 and £50,000.

Previously only 75 per cent reimbursement was available.

The move will help councils give relief to larger businesses.

SLDC chief executive Philip Cunliffe welcomed the changes, which he said had come after 'prolonged lobbying'.

So far around 630 businesses have applied to SLDC for rate relief, and 173 applications have been approved.