Wyre Forest District Council has invested nearly four times the national average from the Innovation Fund set up by the Government last year.
Since the Government funding was announced, Wyre Forest has spent £27,409 from the allocation on business rate relief for empty shops. This means eligible businesses claim relief over a 12 month period making it easier to get the business underway. In addition, the council has supported local businesses by providing £23,097 in empty shop refurbishment grants.
Mark Garnier commented: 'The Innovation Fund is a brilliant initiative, and I am very pleased to see many small businesses in Wyre Forest benefiting from the scheme.
'Out of £100,000 that Wyre Forest was allocated, we've spent £50,000 on providing business rate relief and refurbishment grants to local businesses.
'This shows that the Government's attempt to revive local High Streets across the UK is indeed working, and we are turning the tide on the economic downturn. I am delighted that Wyre Forest District Council is doing all it can to help our local town centres in this way.'