COUNCIL bosses have pledged to help more than 200 businesses which have been hit by rising rates bills.

It comes after a pilot, which saw Colchester Council give between 60 and 70 pubs up to £1,000 off their business rates bill.

As a result of the success, almost £300,000 is now on offer to all hard-pressed firms who have been affected by the revaluation of the business rates last year.

About half of that cash has already been allocated to about 120 businesses across the borough but the rest must be awarded by the end of March to ensure none of the cash is given back to the Government.

Firms have until Saturday, March 31 to apply.

If approved, the relief will be taken directly off the company's business rates bill for 2017/18.

Mark Cory, Colchester councillor responsible for resources, said: "With this fund we give companies affected by the Government’s revaluation of the business rates additional support with their bills.

"I am proud of our track record in continuously supporting small businesses in Colchester, highlighted by the take up earlier this year of the funding support for our local pubs.

"More than 60 pubs have benefited from over £70,000 of relief funding administered by Colchester officers so far."

The finance boss added: "Colchester is ahead of the curve for new business start-ups.

"We want to make sure we support all small and medium size businesses, new or existing.

"We are a pro-active council that is contacting businesses to ensure they receive all the business rate relief they can. As a consequence, more local jobs will be created and the local economy boosted."

Mr Cory added: "I want Colchester businesses to get the benefits of the scheme rather than hand any unused funding back to the Government so I would urge any businesses who think they may be eligible to apply as soon as they can."

To apply, go to colchester.gov.uk/discretionaryraterelief.