HUNDREDS of hospitality and retail venues who are forecast to face a tough period will have their business rates waived in order to save job cuts.

Announced at yesterday’s full council meeting, the £5m scheme will be funded through surplus business rates collected nationally and locally over the last several years.

This one-off reinvestment will support businesses by offering 100 per cent business rate relief for qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality firms who are operating in the borough at the time it goes live.

The scheme will come into effect from April 1 and run until March 31, 2026.

Sir Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The current landscape for businesses in this sector is becoming increasingly difficult with many of the contributing factors out of their control.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of businesses in Barnsley about the challenges they’re facing and are responding comprehensively with this package of support to help safeguard jobs and protect the vibrancy of our high streets.

“These businesses are the beating heart of our town centre and high streets - maintaining their strength is crucial for the benefit of our wider economy.

“This will allow businesses to continue to thrive, which was one of the missions in our new inclusive economic growth strategy and make Barnsley an attractive place to invest.”

The Chronicle understands more than 600 venues will be helped as a result of the intervention.

Carrie Sudbury, chief executive of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said a ‘triple whammy’ of cost hikes, business rate relief cuts and National Insurances increases have pushed many to the brink.

She added: “Businesses in the leisure, hospitality and retail sectors have played a transformational role in the regeneration of Barnsley’s town centre - the net result of which is job creation, entrepreneurship and a boost to the local economy through the thousands of visitors attracted to the town each week.

“Yet against this backdrop, businesses are facing uncertain futures.

“The triple whammy of rising cost pressures, cuts to business rate relief and April’s employer National Insurance increases have forced some to place recruitment plans on hold, whilst others are facing the stark reality of redundancies or survival.

“When we relayed the very real concerns of our members, Barnsley Council listened and responded.

“We welcome and fully support the measures introduced which will offer some vital relief to some, as well as giving businesses the confidence to continue investing in the town.

“I hope other areas across the UK will follow the example of the progressive and collaborative work being delivered in Barnsley.”