Small businesses across Tendring are to receive a cash boost of hundreds of pounds a year in rates relief, it was revealed today.

About 90 per cent of small companies in the district will be significantly better off under the initiative, which takes effect in April next year. Those with a rateable value of under £5,000 will get a 50 per cent rebate on their bills.

And there will be national non-domestic rates relief on a sliding scale for those with values between £5,000 to £10,000.

The money is also seen as a way of helping small firms trying to compete with large out-of-town developments.

Pierre Oxley, portfolio holder for revenues and benefits at Tendring Council, said it was the ideal early Christmas present for the area's struggling small businesses.

The announcement of the final details of the scheme is expected in January.

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Published Monday, November 15, 2004

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