Latest to join the backlash against rises? The SNP’s former boss!
ALEX SALMOND has admitted there is a ‘very legitimate case’ against soaring business rates as he wades into the row.
The former first minister heaped pressure onto his SNP colleagues as he claimed that there were undoubtedly many feeling the ‘hard edge’ of the non-domestic revaluation.
Thousands of companies are set to see their business rates rise by up to 620 per cent from April – with fears some could be forced to cut staff, raise prices or even fold.
Despite repeated calls to help those hit the hardest Finance Secretary Derek Mackay and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have yet to act.
But now Mr Salmond has brought himself into the argument claiming there is reason for some firms to be angry.
The MP for Gordon said NorthEast firms in particular were feeling badly affected because the valuation assessments were made prior to the collapse in the North Sea oil industry.
He welcomed Aberdeenshire Council’s £3million fund to provide rate relief for those hardest hit. New figures show 62 per cent of firms in Aberdeen face business rate rises in April.
Last night Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said: ‘If Derek Mackay won’t listen to thousands of affected firms, perhaps he will listen to his former boss.’
But a Scottish Government spokesman insisted there was no disagreement, saying: ‘We agree there are some firms in the North-East who face a challenge, which is exactly why we have worked with local authorities on schemes that could support those businesses.’