ALMOST £127,000 worth of discretionary business relief has been approved by the leader of Cotswold District Council.

Due to a government relief scheme, 111 small companies are being helped to fund their large increased costs of over £600 a year.

Additionally, almost £35,000 has been awarded to 35 pubs under a Public House Relief scheme, and over £18,000 worth of Small Business Rate Relief has been awarded to support 20 businesses facing high increases.

In July, the council identified businesses which were likely to meet the scheme’s criteria, and encouraged them to apply for relief.

The leader of CDC, Cllr Mark Annett, said: "I am very pleased to have been able to award discretionary relief to so many businesses at the outset, and I can assure the beneficiaries that revised rates bills will be mailed out to them very soon.

"I am also delighted to see that local businesses are beginning to receive relief under the public house and Small Businesses Rate Relief scheme.

“There are more applications in the pipeline awaiting consideration.

"However, I am aware that there are still many more firms that have not yet applied for relief even though they would probably benefit from one or even more of the schemes that are available.

To find out if you are eligible, contact 01285 623000.