Businesses across Conwy and across Wales are set to benefit from help with paying their rates as a new scheme from Welsh Government begins to roll out.

The Welsh Government is investing £24.2 million to extend the high street rates relief scheme in 2020-21.

Around 15,000 businesses, including shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs will receive enhanced support to pay their rates bills from April 2020.

Business properties with a rateable value up to £50,000 can receive up to £2,500 towards the cost of Business Rates under the £24.2 million scheme.

It will reduce rates bills to zero for retail properties with a rateable value up to £9,100 and reduce bills by £2,500 for properties with a higher rateable value.

As well as supporting retailers on the high street, the scheme will continue to support retailers in other locations. Ratepayers benefitting from the relief include those with occupied retail premises such as shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars. 

A further £2.4 million will be allocated to local authorities to provide additional discretionary rates relief for local businesses and other ratepayers to respond to specific local issues. This funding will be provided through the local government settlement, taking the total being provided to local authorities for discretionary relief to £4.8 million for 2020-21.

This scheme will continue to be administered by local authorities on an application basis and operates in addition to the wide range of other support provided by the Welsh Government.