Rates Cap a Good Start but Anomalies Must be Addressed

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s deal on business rates for the north east and the hospitality sector, announced today, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“We welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition that this year’s business rates revaluation is causing major problems for a large number of Scottish businesses. This announcement of additional support measures for certain sectors and parts of the country are to be welcomed and will deliver much needed support when it is most needed.

“What it doesn’t do, however, is get to the root of the problem. That is why Scottish Chambers of Commerce has proposed a full expert review of the methodology of valuations in the hospitality, motor trade and energy sectors, with a view to ensuring that every business in Scotland can be confident that it is subject to a correct business rates valuation of its premises. This would complement the ongoing work of the Barclay Review of Business Rates, which is a more general and less technical appraisal of the system.

“The Scottish Government’s additional measures, together with such an expert review and the Barclay Review of business rates can combine to enable long-overdue change to the structure of Scotland’s outdated business rates regime. Scotland’s business community stands ready to assist in making reform work.”