MSP Calls on U-Turn to Save Uniform Business Rates

Opposition Parties Must Rule Out Threat to Scotland's Businesses

Stewart Stevenson MSP has urged opposition parties to scrap plans allowing local authorities to adjust business rates.

This comes as the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) in conjunction with 26 other business groups, including Federation of Small Businesses, has raised concerns over an opposition amendment to the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill – which would mean that rates would no longer be set nationally and business rates reliefs, including the Small Business Bonus, transitional relief and rates relief for nurseries – would automatically end.

Stewart Stevenson MSP has urged the Tories to reverse amendment 9 to the Bill that seeks to end nationwide-rates reliefs and introduce local rates multipliers.

The MSP called opposition parties to “overturn the amendment” voted through by Green, Tory and Labour MSPs, and vote to retain the Uniform Business Rate.

If the Small Business Bonus scheme was abolished, some smaller businesses in [area] could face a business rate hike of more than £7000.

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“The move to scrap over £308 million of relief - which is strongly opposed by the SNP – will impact more than 100,000 businesses across Scotland.

“These plans would deliver a body blow to businesses in the North-east and could risk the delivery of vital local services, the work of charities and third-sector organisations.

“Experts have raised concerns over the impact of the proposed changes, warning it will create added costs and deter investment.

“Opposition parties must heed those warnings, and backtrack on this disastrous move at the final stage of the Bill – in order to support our economy and make Scotland the best place for business to invest.”