SNP must rethink business rates hike following UK climbdown

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has today said that the SNP government should immediately rethink their revaluation of non-domestic business rates, following changes in how rates are calculated for pubs in England.

The calculation of business rates is devolved in all four UK nations.

The UK Government has now announced it will change how business rates of pubs in England are calculated, resulting in a smaller rise to bills.

Pubs across Scotland, however, are facing a huge rise in their bills as a result of the SNP’s revaluation of business rates.

The Federation of Small Businesses has warned that businesses could see their bills rise by up to 400% or more, which would be catastrophic for many small businesses, not just those in hospitality.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have called for an immediate pause to the revaluation, noting that ministers’ response to simply wait and appeal isn’t good enough.

Jamie Greene MSP said:

“The UK Government’s climbdown on rates should make the SNP urgently rethink their revaluation plans, which will hammer Scottish pubs and businesses.

“Businesses have been knocking on my door about the huge damage this hike could cause, with many looking down the barrel of closure.

“We have a responsibility to do everything we can to support small and medium sized businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

“The Scottish Government must take their fingers out of their ears and put an immediate pause on the implementation of this revaluation to give businesses the breathing space they need.

“They must seriously look at calls from business to mitigate the damage any rate rises will do to our economy."