Councils could net millions

COUNCILS in Staffordshire could net a windfall of more than £13m next year – if they are chosen for a business rates scheme.

All 10 local authorities in the county, together with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, are set to apply to be part of the Government’s 75 per cent business rates retention pilot.

It would mean 75 percent all new business rates growth being retained within Staffordshire in 2019/20 instead of half going to the Government.