A total of 14 per cent of small businesses are not getting the rate discounts they are entitled to.

Redbridge council is urging owners to take advantage of the small business rate relief scheme. 

The scheme automatically provides business rate discounts to companies that have a rateable value of less than £25,499 and companies with a property of a rateable value of less than £12,000 can apply for further discounts.

Businesses with a £6,000 or less valued property do not have to pay business rates, while businesses that have more than one property might still be legible for rate relief if the rateable value of each of their further properties is less than £2,599.

Redbridge council confirmed that only 86 per cent of businesses in the borough are signed up.

Labour Cllr Kam Rai, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “We’re really keen to support small businesses and help them grow in any way we can. 

“We’ve noticed that some small businesses are missing out on vital help that they could take advantage of so we wanted to encourage them to come forward. 

“In the current tough economic climate, the small business rate relief scheme gives vitally important financial help to small businesses.

“I urge eligible business to take advantage of the financial help that is on offer.”