Liberal Democrats will reveal a significant increase in the number of appeals lodged against business rate increases, as they lead a debate in the Scottish Parliament calling for a transitional rates relief scheme.

At present, the number of appeals received is 60,300. The last time business rates were revaluated, in 2005, 54,500 appeals were received.

That’s an increase in appeals of over 10%.

Commenting ahead of the debate, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

“Liberal Democrats have been supporting businesses, some of which are paying up to 200% more in their rates tax bills under the SNP. We were the first to raise concerns about the lack of any transitional support. The figures we reveal today justify our campaign.

“Rival firms in England benefit from a transitional rates relief scheme.

“There’s little surprise then that the number of businesses appealing their rates tax bills has shot up.

“Ministers must listen to Scottish businesses who are being hit by the SNP tax on Scottish jobs. The SNP is taking in £150 million more in additional business rates revenue this year. It is not too late for Parliament to heed our calls for businesses to be supported during these tough times.

“Our last attempt to deliver transitional support for Scottish business crippled by rates tax bills was thwarted by the Tories, inexplicably propping up the SNP Government. I am hopeful that the evidence we are revealing today, plus the outstanding campaigns led by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and their network across Scotland will encourage the Conservatives to change their mind.”

Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce added:

“Rates reliefs have shielded a number of businesses against the iniquities of this year’s rates revaluation and for small businesses in particular, many have been spared the 200% rates increases faced by many medium sized and larger firms. However we must not forget that this year’s revaluation sets the scene for the next five years and it is therefore essential that the Small Business Bonus Scheme, and the various other rates reliefs on offer, are extended over the course of that period to protect even more businesses from future rates shocks.

“In addition, we are continuing to press the Scottish Government for the return of a Transitional Relief scheme to cushion the blow for those firms who have already been stung by rising rates. Make no mistake, unless Government gets the relief schemes right, many more businesses will yet suffer as a result of an unfair revaluation which has taken no account of the recent recession.”