Scottish Government Business Rates Announcement

Name: Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
Address: 37 City Quay, Dundee, DD1 3JA, GB
Telephone: 01382 228545

Published

21st February 2017

In a statement to Holyrood today, the Scottish Government finance secretary, Derak Mackay has moved to quell concerns over rapidly rising business rates by capping increases for 8,500 firms in the hospitality sector.

In addition, the same cap applies to more than 1,000 firms in the Aberdeen area.

He also reminded us that by raising the 100% relief threshold for the Small Business Bonus Scheme to £15,000 this will exempt 100,000 properties from Business Rates.

He has confirmed plans to reduce the poundage - the rate at which the tax is paid - by 3.7%. And noted that revaluation appeals in Scotland will be free, with no fees or restrictions.

Alison Henderson, CEO of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce said \"While we welcome the capping of increases for hotels, pubs, restaurants, cafes and other accommodation providers, some of whom have seen extraordinary increases to the upcoming rates bills, it is important that our local authorities act to ensure that key sectors in our region are supported and not paying more than their fair share. The Business Rates regime continues to be outdated and not fit for purpose.

What today\'s announcement doesn’t do, however, is get to the root of the problem. That\'s why Chambers of Commerce propose 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.\"

Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce would encourage every business to check what the 2017/18 business rates estimate is by clicking here, and take any necessary steps to appeal, should that be an appropriate next step for you.

If any business is concerned, unsure what to do next, or would like to discuss Business Rates, please get in touch with us on 01382 228545 and we will do what we can do help.

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