Fear charities are losing out on rates relief

COUNCILLORS have finished scrutinising the amount of money charities get discounted from business rates

- By JONATHAN SUTTON Local Democracy Reporter

This follows concerns raised by East Staffordshire Borough Councillor Steve Sankey, who believes some charities are losing out.

Currently, some charities and small businesses are able to claim as much as a 100 per cent discount on their business rates.

In recent years figures from the local authority show a sustained increase in the amount of support available to charities, non-profits and community sports clubs.

There are three discount options available to these organisations which reduce the amount of business rates which are payable.