Barclay Report ignores licensed trade, claims Fife body

A major report into business rates in Scotland has been criticised by a local trade organisation.

The Fife Licensed Trade Association (FLTA), which represents bars, restaurants and nightclubs throughout the region, says that the Barclay Report has failed to provide any assistance to the trade.

The document, published last week, was commissioned by the Scottish Government in a bid to encourage business growth and improve fairness in how rates are paid.

However, the FLTA has said that the report has failed to take into account the needs of the licensed trade.

President Billy McLean said, “Barclay and his committee have failed to take on board any of the issues which our association or the Scottish LTA raised.

“His committee seems to have decided to take no action to assist the licensed trade.

“We argued that all businesses should be paying something.

“If even a token £20 per week were being paid, the additional revenue could reduce the burden on the licensed trade, which is unique in being rated on turnover, as opposed to property size.

“By way of example, on Anstruther front, out of 50 businesses only two, both licensed, pay any rates at all.

“Barclay’s response is that his recommendations will reduce this unfairness by having rates paid by universities and public leisure facilities.”

Warning about the long-term impact of business rates, Mr McLean continued: “Many pubs are at serious risk of closure.

“They are often the heart of a community.

“Risking other facilities in small towns seems crazy, and does not meet our concerns.”