SMALL businesses may need to pay no business rates until the end of next September.

The Government's extended Small Business Rates Relief scheme came into being on October 1, and now Forest of Dean District Council regeneration chiefs are circulating information about it to landlords and commercial agents.

"As well as helping existing businesses through difficult times, it could be a good incentive to kick-start new businesses and fill empty shops," said Cinderford regeneration manager Richard Morgan.

Don Burgess, chairman of the Forest of Dean Federation of Small Businesses, said the news was encouraging.

"It can only be welcomed," he said. "Probably quite a few businesses could have done with it at the start of the credit crunch, but anything that reduces the costs of businesses in the Forest of Dean has to be a good thing, and I hope it will stimulate the business sector here."

Eligible ratepayers would pay no business rates on properties with rateable values less than £6,000, while those in premises with rateable values between £6,001 and £12,000 may be eligible for reduced rates.

Those that were already getting 50 per cent relief on the scheme may find they no longer have to pay any until September 30, 2011.

To find out more, call 01594 812642 or email [email protected]">[email protected]