Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 11 September 2001 For Use: Immediately

Press Bureau Press Links

Foot and Mouth Business Relief Extended

The rates relief scheme for Western Isles businesses affected by the Foot and Mouth crisis is to be extended to the end of the year, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Policy and Finance Committee agreed today.

Policy and Finance chairman, Vice-Convener Roddy Murray, said:
"We can be grateful that the Western Isles remained free of Foot and Mouth and the Comhairle, working together with other agencies, played a vital part in maintaining our disease free status. Whilst the Western Isles has not suffered the same kind of impact as other parts of the country, it is important that, where we can, we mitigate the side effects that have arisen from the outbreak. This extension will be of benefit for a number of Western Isles businesses".

The foot and Mouth relief scheme was set up by the Scottish Executive and was intended to run initially for a period of three months. The Executive covers 95% of the costs of the scheme.

8 businesses in the Western Isles have applied for, and been granted, rate relief totalling £3,469 for the period from April 2001 to June 2001.

Under the extension, a further £6,939 in rate relief could be granted to Western Isles businesses.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk