Mansfield firms to face new business levy

A new levy on businesses in part of Nottinghamshire will help boost the wider economy, officials have said.

The charge on 550 Mansfield traders - expected to raise £1.75m in five years for services like cleaning and security - will begin on Monday.

The Business Improvement District (BID) scheme was narrowly approved earlier in the year and then faced a challenge from some firms over who could vote.

But despite this, the district council insists the town will benefit.

A specially appointed team from different sectors of the town's economy will manage the scheme.

Kate Allsop, Mansfield District Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "We are looking forward to working with the BID team. Every business, regardless of whether they are paying the BID levy, should benefit.

"One of the areas that is set to be improved is security and in other BID areas where this has happened some businesses have received a discount on their insurance."