Royal Borough could offer revised business rate discounts for businesses occupying empty premises

A discount on business rates could be given to shops and businesses occupying empty premises in Royal Borough town centres which have been used as pop-up shops.

The council's corporate services overview and scrutiny panel discussed the proposals at its meeting on Tuesday.

If approved, the proposals would allow applications for 75 per cent discretionary relief from businesses occupying retail premises which have been empty for more than one year, even if a pop-up shop has been based there during that time.

It would be paid for from a combination of Government grants and a borough pot of £150,000.

The panel approved the proposals which will go before cabinet on Thursday.