SMALL businesses hit by foot-and-mouth restrictions in rural areas near Durham could get help from the city council.
The council says it will consider deferred business rates payments to provide short-term help to affected firms.
"Small businesses in rural areas with a rateable value of £12,000 or less may be eligible for a full reduction in their rates for a three-month period, if they can show that they have suffered serious economic loss as a result of the foot-and-mouth outbreak," said a spokesman.
"Larger businesses seriously affected may also qualify for rate reductions based on financial hardship.''
Applications should be made to the council's revenues section, at John Street, Meadowfield, telephone 0191-301 8626.
Because of the crisis, the deadline for firms to appeal against their rates valuation has been extended to June 30
Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.
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