Copy Northern Ireland and pause business rates rises demands Greene

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has today called for the Scottish Government to follow in the footsteps of the Northern Ireland government and pause dramatic increases in business rates set to hit hospitality businesses across Scotland.

On Thursday, Northern Irish Finance Minister John O'Dowd announced a pause in the process which would have seen large rates increases for many in the hospitality sector.

From 1 April 2026, new rateable values will be in place for all 260,000 rated non-domestic properties in Scotland.

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has warned that sharp business rate increases - in some cases approaching 300% - will push otherwise viable businesses “to the brink”.

Mr Greene said:

“The Scottish Government just doesn’t seem to understand small business.

“These are not colossal firms who might be more easily able to absorb their business rates bill doubling or tripling. Often these small operators are already struggling to make payroll at the end of the month.

“The Northern Irish government have belatedly realised that pushing these firms to the brink is bad for jobs and bad for business investment. Now Scottish ministers need to do the same.

“If firms shut up shop, there will be no business rates revenue at all.

“Too often small business owners feel like the deck is stacked against them. Scottish Liberal Democrats want to build a business culture that encourages investment, entrepreneurialism and hard work. That won’t happen with a fresh storm of business rates.”