BUSINESSES in Ascot, Sunningdale and Sunninghill are being encouraged to come forward and claim their slice of a largely untouched £678,000 cash pot.

The money was given to the Royal Borough to distribute between businesses qualifying for support following the 2017 revaluation in a bid to help them survive in tough financial times. 

In total, 870 businesses have been made aware of the money, but most is yet to be claimed and it cannot be used in any other way.

If the money is not allocated by March 31 next year, it will be returned to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Councillor Jack Rankin, cabinet member for economic development and property and deputy for finance, said: “The borough thrives when business thrives so if there is anyone who thinks they might be eligible to save money I would encourage them to get in touch.

“This really is a no-brainer – it’s quick and easy to apply and could save local businesses thousands of pounds. We’ve got £678,000 to return to businesses and we want to hear from them as soon as possible so we can put this money back into their pockets and let them get on with what they do best.”

Pubs of a rateable value less than £100,0000 can also claim a flat £1,000 discount on their business rates.