SHOPS across Tendring could be missing out on up to £1,000 off their rate demands, Town Hall bosses have warned.

Tendring Council said some businesses can claim for Retail Rate Relief of up to £1,000.

It includes shops, pubs and restaurants with a rateable value of £50,000 or below.

Paul Honeywood, cabinet member for housing, benefits and revenues, said there are around 750 such businesses who could apply for the relief and he would not like to see them miss out.

He said: “A discount of up to £1,000 is a significant amount and could make all the difference to someone who is finding it tough to pay all the bills.

“It is important that they check out whether they are eligible for the discount and make sure they get their claim in to us.”

He added that there are a number of other important changes from previous years due to new measures brought in by the Government.

One is that ratepayers can change from paying in ten instalments to 12, spreading out their payments over a longer period.

The list showing exactly which properties are entitled for the scheme can be found on the council’s website at www.tendringdc.gov.uk