SNP accused of snub to business over rate rise

THE Scottish Government has been accused of ignoring businesses that backed a national transitional relief scheme for a controversial rates revaluation.

In a government consultation last year, nearly two-thirds (63%) of the 52 respondents supported some form of phased arrangements to help businesses facing large increases in their bills as a result of the changes.

Opposition parties and trade groups have warned some firms could be forced to close as a result of independent assessors carrying out the first revaluation of the rateable value of businesses since 2010.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has said a transitional scheme in Scotland would not be appropriate as it would result in smaller businesses funding reductions for a few large utility companies, pointing out that local councils have the power to apply local rates reductions.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the government had been “arrogant” to reject the results of the consul- tation, accusing ministers of ignoring businesses.

He said: “A transitional scheme is the right thing to do and would provide the support businesses need. It would also keep Scotland competitive.

“True to SNP form, they only hear those that agree with them.”

The Scottish Conserva- tives highlighted repeated warnings about the impact of the revaluation on hotels, pubs and other businesses.

The British Hospitality Association said it was concerned about the “potentially severe impact” of the changes while the Scottish Retail Consortium has said it would be “very difficult to absorb some potential costs”.