COUNCILLORS have voted to adopt a relief scheme aimed at supporting High Street businesses.

Newport City Council will receive up to £573,500 from the Welsh Government rate relief scheme for 2017/18, with up to 758 ratepayers across the city set to benefit.

Qualifying ratepayers will fall into two categories, with those in tier one receiving up to £500 and tier two up to £1,500 per qualifying property.

With the scheme voted in favour of at a Newport council meeting last night, the rates bills of around 750 businesses will be recalculated and adjustment notices sent in time for April’s instalment. Other businesses who may qualify will be sent an application form to determine if they meet the criteria.

The Welsh Government announced details of the £10million scheme in February, which will support nearly 15,000 shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes. The rates relief scheme is also aimed at providing support to small businesses hit by a proposed business rates rise.