Business rates drop for three Staffordshire towns

Business rates will be reduced in three Staffordshire towns in a bid to attract new traders to move into empty shops.

The level of discount for new tenants in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford is under discussion. The one-year reduction forms part of conditions for the £100,000 from the Mary Portas High Street Innovation fund.

In Cannock the number of empty units has more than doubled from 18 to 42 in three years.

As well as rate reductions Cannock and Hednesford will also benefit from £132,000 from the Town Centre Improvement Fund to spruce up their "dowdy" shopping centres.

Councillor Diane Todd, cabinet member for town regeneration, said Cannock had not been given an overhaul for at least 25 years.