ELIGIBLE retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses in Powys will benefit from an extended business rates break from April, Powys County Council can confirm.

Businesses in these sectors with a rateable value of less than £500,000 will continue to pay no rates at all for another year, from 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2022.

The Welsh Government announced the extension to the scheme in Wales to support businesses in their longer-term recovery from the economic effects of the coronavirus.

Jane Thomas, Head of Finance at Powys County Council, said: “Rates bills for the new financial year 2021/22 have just been sent out and the discount has been included for eligible businesses.

“In total, 1,380 business across Powys will benefit from the rates relief which amounts to £11.4m in discounts.

“This support is in addition to the millions of pounds in business grants that the council continues to payout.

“The grants have been a welcome sight in bank accounts, and we hope businesses will be pleased to see their discounted rates bill when it arrives.”

Some businesses may choose to opt-out of rate relief for 2021/22 and they can do this by contacting the council’s Business Rates Team – revenues@powys.gov.uk