There’s a way out of this rates row

THE Scottish Government must know how bad their proposed business rates changes look.

Giving mouth-watering reductions to government buildings but eye-watering rises to hard-pressed businesses isn’t going to win friends.

We accept we have to pay taxes. Businesses, too, have to pay their way. And some of the big boys can easily afford it. Indeed, if their profits are sky-high then their rates should be up there in the clouds with them.

But there is something wrong with what is happening here.

If pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops are taxed out of business the whole economy suffers. We will all suffer. The government will suffer too. People are angry.

When a figure as influential as Alex Salmond weighs in to fight for small businesses, then alarm bells should be ringing very loud and very clear.

The best thing to do would be to take a step back and have a think about this.

Because there’s a way out of this problem.

In March last year, the Scottish Government appointed the former chair of RBS, Ken Barclay, to carry out a review of business rates. He is to report in July.

It would make a lot of sense to wait for the results of that review before rushing into this political minefield.