Rates relief for firms hit by GSA fire

ALMOST £2million is being used to give business rates relief for companies affected by the fires at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) Mackintosh Building and Victoria’s nightclub.

The Scottish Government has announced £1.85million of its Fire Recovery Fund will be used by Glasgow City Council to provide business rates relief and support recovery efforts after fires struck the buildings.

No business in the immediate fire cordon area, or eligible companies in Sauchiehall Street, will have to pay business rates for the period of January to March.

Some 200 businesses in the eligible area have already received more than £3million from the £5million fund, which was announced by Economy Secretary Derek Mackay in July.

Mr Mackay said: ‘The Scottish Government is now making the remaining balance of its Fire Recovery Fund – some £1.85million – available to Glasgow City for further business rates relief.

‘This relief will provide breathing space while businesses resume trade and allow them to focus on the commercial opportunities of the festive period in the knowledge they will not face any additional business rates liabilities related to the period between January to March.’