LIB DEMS DELIVER £250,000 BACK TO LOCAL BUSINESS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Jun 2009

Small businesses in Sheffield have saved over a quarter of a million pounds during the credit crunch thanks to the Liberal Democrats. The Lib Dem Council has been working with local business across the city to encourage those who are eligible for business rate relief to apply. Small business rate relief is available to businesses with a rateable value below £15,000. Already hundreds of businesses have come forward, but there is still more money to be saved.

Councillor Paul Scriven, Lib Dem Leader of Sheffield City Council said: "We want to do everything we can to help Sheffield business, especially during the current economic climate. Already hundreds of businesses have come forward following the work we have done to encourage the take up of rate relief, but there are many more out there who can take advantage of what is available to them, saving money and helping to protect local jobs. Taking five minutes to complete a simple form could save local businesses a decent amount of money."

The Council has written to everyone who is eligible for business rate relief, but is keen that as many people as possible come forward to take advantage of any savings available to them. Around 1,300 companies still haven't responded and the Council is keen that they are assessed to see if they can save money on their business rates, helping protect local jobs and the local economy.

Councillor Scriven added: "Sheffield City Council is here to help and we want businesses to know that we are on your side. We want Sheffield to be a great place to do business. Even though businesses might be feeling the bite of the credit crunch we are working to provide the help and support that will help people through the economic downturn, helping to save local jobs and help local people, so that the city is in the best shape to take advantage of the upturn."

To find out more about what Lib Dem Sheffield City Council is doing for local business and to download the rate relief form go to www.sheffield.gov.uk/business