HUNDREDS of pubs and businesses across the borough look set to save money on their business rates.

Pub landlords and business bosses are set to benefit from the programme which has been drafted by Dudley Council.

Council bosses are keen to protect businesses against sharp business rates rises as a result of national changes to the rateable value of their premises.

The scheme is estimated to benefit more than 200 pubs, 45 small businesses and 230 other businesses if approved by council bosses next week.

The government has given the council £604,000 to help the 230 businesses and will foot the bill for the other pubs and small businesses on top.

The details of which businesses will be eligible for the relief are still being ironed out but council chiefs say it will be based on the rateable value of the property and protect those facing the highest increases in business rates.

Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for finance, said: “This will be a huge boost to small businesses and pubs across the borough.

"We have made it very clear that we will do all we can to support these types of businesses to help them grow and have a positive impact on the economy.

“We’re working through some final guidance from the government but as soon as we have the green light we will be contacting those businesses affected about the good news.”

Under the scheme, the yearly business rates increase for small businesses will be capped at £600 for those facing larger increases following the changes to the rateable value of their premises from April this year.

A further estimated 230 business will be in line for the relief, particularly those facing the largest increase in their bills as a result of the changes.

Meanwhile, pubs will have up to £1,000 rate relief where their rateable value is below £100,000.

The details of the scheme are yet to be finalised by the government, but the council estimates around 240 pubs will be in line for the help.