THE leader of Burnley Council said the borough would benefit from proposed changes to discounts on business rates.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has unveiled plans to allow local councils to attract businesses to the area by deciding on the level of business rates locally.

Coun Charlie Briggs said: “I care about one thing: The town of Burnley. I was initially concerned about the impact on Burnley of the move away from a pooled arrangement and I looked into it and met with Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, and Local Government Minister, Andrew Stunell.

“I asked them for details on what they were planning – and was satisfied with the responses I got.”