BOOKIES, off licences and sex shops have been told they will not get business rate reliefs as part of government plans to boost high streets.

The Government has given local authorities power to award business rates relief for occupied retail premises of up to £1,000 and incentives for businesses which move into empty shops.

Who gets the rate reliefs is down to councils however, and councillors on Slough Borough Council ruled to ban certain businesses at a cabinet meeting on Monday. They said the high street does not need anymore betting shops, off licences or sex shops, so they did not want to provide incentives for more to open.

The reliefs would apply for shops including charity shops, newsagents and supermarkets. Councillors also approved a policy to provide council tax discounts for residents and businesses affected by flooding.

Residents can get up to three months of relief.