analysis

Tone date. Non-domestic rates. Revaluation. Poundage. The Barclay Review – what does it all mean?

For many small Scottish businesses the answer is nothing – they are exempt and can sleep easy in their beds.

But for thousands more those words mean sleepless nights filled with dread. So, what are they concerned about? Put simply, the level of tax paid by businesses is due to change from April 1.

As a result, some firms are rubbing their hands in glee at lower bills, while others are facing eye-watering hikes.

In some cases the increase is measured in the hundreds of per cent and affected businesses – particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors – have been revolting at the prospect.

Some have even suggested they will have to shut their doors if forced to pay the higher levy.

So why such turmoil? The problem is business rates is a complex beast that is governed by individual circumstance.

That means neighbouring businesses with similar profiles – such as Dundee FC and Dundee United – can have different outcomes from the revaluation process and end up with different bills.

The head of steam that has got up over the 2017 revaluation is no surprise.

Businesses have been complaining for years about the inflexibility and apparent inequity of the system.

Ken Barclay is leading a review but that won’t report until the summer.

Meantime, Derek Mackay is putting sticking plasters on a system that is no longer fit for purpose.