BUSINESS owners in Derby say they will get a much-needed boost from a new rate relief scheme which it is estimated could save them a total of up to £1.2 million over two years.
Derby City Council's leadership last night confirmed details of which firms in the city would qualify to benefit from the Government's "retail rate relief".
It means more than 1,000 firms, including shops, restaurants, and pubs, could benefit from the business rate discount of up to £1,000 a year or half their rates liability.
The Government will pay back councils in full for any rate relief granted.
But councillor Sarah Russell, cabinet member for housing, finance and welfare, told last night's cabinet meeting that the authority had been "very careful" with the types of firms that would not qualify.
She said: "We haven't included things like betting shops and payday lenders, as we thought that would be unfair."
The list of financial services that won't be able to access the scheme also includes banks, building societies, and pawn brokers.
Miss Russell said the scheme was "aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises".
The discounts will only be available for this financial year and 2015-16.
John Sallis, owner of haberdashers and wool shop Hook and Eye, in Corn Exchange, said: "This will help us out because it's tough at the moment."
But he said that the Government needed to look again at the level of business rates shops are paying.
He said: "I'm paying £900 a month but, with the economy the way it is, I can't imagine it will change any time soon."
Martin Shooter, of Green Lane's Cape and Cowel Comics, said: "I get small business rate relief already and that takes quite a chunk off, so anything on top of that is obviously welcome.
"But I would say, with retail being in the state it's in, that the scheme should go on longer."
Ron Halstead, director of St Peter's Churchyard craft shop Reams, said his company would probably apply.
But he agreed that the Government should also look to lower business rates "to resurrect city centres".
He said: "They are still focal points for people, especially at weekends.
"They've got to make it easier for us."
For a property to benefit from the business rate relief it must be occupied, have a rateable value of £50,000 or less, be wholly or mainly used as a shop, restaurant, café, or drinking establishment, and be accessible to the public.
