More than 2,000 Bradford district shops, pubs and restaurants will benefit from the biggest package of Government business rate support in more than 20 years which came into force this week.

About 2,400 properties will receive £1,000 worth of business rates retail relief under a new scheme to boost the UK’s high streets. In Craven 720 properties will qualify, with about 1,000 due to receive the relief in Calderdale.

Government policies mean that many businesses already get a 100 per cent discount. Tax changes coming into effect at the start of the new tax year this month mean more than 20,000 eligible small shops in the Yorkshire region will benefit further, out of an estimated 300,000 in England.

The Government said that, in some cases, this could give a typical small shop, pub or restaurant with a rateable value of £10,000 savings of 30 per cent extra or more when compared to last year’s business rate bill.

In addition to the new business rate discounts, targeted to support small shops, all businesses can now choose to spread their bill payments over 12 monthly installments rather than ten after rules were changed to give businesses greater control over their cashflow.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles, a former Bradford Council leader, said the new measures would make a huge difference for struggling small shop owners and help businesses and high streets across the country build a stronger economy.

Mr Pickles said: “A key part of the Government’s long-term economic plan is to back business with lower taxes. Small shops are the lifeblood of local economies and today’s changes will mean a massive boost to our town centres – helping to create more jobs and securing a better future for our children.

“A whole string of changes to business rates kick in today bringing new support to local shops, pubs and firms. In some cases shopkeepers could see their bills cut by a third extra or even more, which is worth thousands of pounds in tax breaks.

“Together with our sensible changes to planning rules and action to tackle unfair parking practices, we are helping local communities secure the future of their high streets.”

Peter Holmes, Yorkshire chairman of the Institute of Directors, said: “The extension of Business Rate Relief which comes into force is welcome, offering many small businesses, new enterprises, start-ups and therefore employers support as they grow.

“The creative use of support should encourage entrepreneurs to take their first tentative steps as should the incentives to help those moving into unoccupied retail units that have been vacant for a year or more. By allowing the risk takers in society to start or grow their business these measures also boost the chances of employment growth and we hope the extension of training and apprenticeships in the workforce.

“Increasing the extension of the small business rate relief until March next year is also to be welcomed.”