The Government has given Doncaster Council just over £3.7million as part of the Local Authority Business Growth Incentives scheme (LABGI).

The scheme works by giving financial rewards to councils that promote economic growth in their areas.

To be eligible for the money Doncaster Council had to help increase the rateable value in the metropolitan area above a fixed level.

LABGI was launched three years ago and since then Doncaster has received over £5.2 million from the Government.

The £3.7 million to be given to Doncaster this year is the second highest in the Yorkshire and Humber region, with only Leeds - £6.1 million - receiving more.

Mayor Martin Winter said Doncaster was in the top 10 council's nationally that had received the most money as part of LABGI.

He added the cash boost was evidence of Doncaster's growing reputation as a place to do business.

Mr Winter said: "Doncaster is one of the top 10 local authorities in the country as indeed we were last year.

"This just goes to show Doncaster is up there when it comes to attracting new businesses and keeping existing ones.

"This has proved once again Doncaster is open for business.

"We are not just maintaining our success year on year but building on
it."

LABGI was launched three years with 2008 being the final year of the scheme.

In 2007 Doncaster was given £4.5 million and £700,000 the previous year as part of the initiative.

This year Sheffield is to receive nearly £3.2 million; Rotherham,
nearly £1.5 million; and Barnsley, £900,000; under LABGI.

Doncaster Council is now to discuss how to spend the £3.7million, some of which could be earmarked for schemes to promote further economic growth.

Local Government Minister, John Healey, said he intended for local authorities to receive cash bonuses for promoting economic growth every year.

He added: "LABGI ensures that every council has a direct financial incentive to promote enterprise, jobs and local business growth, helping them to boost our country's economic potential."