BUSINESSES in Richmondshire are being urged to check they are not missing out on rate relief.

Richmondshire District Council is keen to ensure that anyone paying business rates is claiming the relief they may be entitled to.

A number of reliefs have been introduced by central government since 2010 including Small Business Rate Relief, which allows ratepayers to receive up to 100 per cent in relief if they meet certain criteria; Retail Relief, allowing certain businesses that contain a retail element to claim a lump sum deduction from their bills for 2014 to 2015 and 2015 to 2016; and Re-Occupation Relief , allowing businesses that moved into retail premises between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2016 that had been empty for more than a year, may be eligible for a 50 per cent discount for 18 months.

Councillor Bill Glover said: “The council has been proactive in trying to make sure that businesses entitled to claim relief are doing so but there may be some that are not aware of the reliefs available and are missing out on a reduction on their bill."

Businesses should contact the council on 01748-901053 for further advice and information.