All businesses have to pay Non-Domestic Rates (NDR). Although councils collect the rate the money is all snaffled by central government, which then gives some of it back to local councils. However there is a system of rate relief, partly obligatory (funded by government), and partly discretionary (funded by local councils, who can decide how much relief to give).
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the news that burglaries and thefts from farms in Cumbria have dropped by nearly 10 per cent in the first half of this year.
There is £10,000 available from Kent County Council for community groups in Folkestone West & Sandgate on 5th November. Any group can apply for up to £1,000 for projects that benefit the local area - and local residents decide who should get the cash!
Two Folkestone groups are leading the race for a £6,000 NatWest Community Force grant!
Schools across Chelmsford will be given £678,000 extra this year, fulfilling one of the four top Lib Dem pledges at last year's election. The figures this week from the Department for Education are the final Pupil Premium figures for every English local authority, constituency and school. DfE website link.
Liberal Democrat in Hinckley and Bosworth have welcomed the announcement of a £617,000 pupil premium for Bosworth's schools.