Businesses in the West Midlands can apply to their local council to postpone part of this year’s business rates bill thanks to a new government scheme.

Under a new initiative announced Local Government Minister Rosie Winterton all business ratepayers can apply to their local council to put off three per cent of their whole year’s 2009/10 business rates bill.

So, if a yearly bill is £5,000, rate-payers will be able to postpone paying £150.

Those who accrued a rise in their bill because transitional relief has come to an end can now defer 60 per cent of the increase. To make the most of this scheme, rate-payers are being advised to apply as soon as possible, as once approved they will pay reduced instalments for the remainder of the financial year or until payment is complete. Those who submit their application next month can expect to see their bills reduced by October at the latest.

An application form is being sent to all businesses by their local councils, with details of how to apply for both these deferrals and small business rate relief.

Ms Winterton said: “Businesses in the West Midlands can now apply to their council for new Government help.

“Letters are already on their way to every rate-payer explaining how to apply for this new scheme, as well as details of existing help for small businesses that could potentially halve their total bill.“

“This is on top of other help for business from Government, including free business health checks, skills training, and help for almost 100,000 large businesses to defer over £1.7 billion in other taxes.”