WARRINGTON businesses could be in line for a £30 million boost thanks to a change in Government policy.

The plans, announced by Chancellor Gordon Brown, would see a great slice of business rates - the equivalent of Council Tax that companies pay to Government - pumped back into the Warrington economy.

And with just £53 million of the £83 million worth of business rates collected in Warrington kept in the town, the announcement is a bonus for council and economic leaders alike.

Colin Daniels, chief executive of the Warrington Chamber for Commerce, said: "We will have more details next April, however, we would like to see all of the revenue generated from the scheme being spent locally on our determined priorities.

"That way, this initiative will help us continue to build on the strong relationship between our respective agencies and the business community."

Clr Paul Kenny, council finance chief, added: "The potential increase in return of business rates to the local community that it could generate will give us the opportunity to enhance the prospects of other businesses, helping them start-up or continue to flourish."

The scheme will be launched in April 2005, with more details due then on how the Local Government Business Growth Initiative (LABGI) will work.

The hope is that the plan will help businesses in Warrington to build as well as creating more businesses in the borough.

The move follows recent disquiet at the Town Hall, with Clr Paul Kenny calling for the extra investment at recent full council meetings.