Mr McRae also reiterated the organisation’s call for continuation of the Small Business Bonus rates relief scheme; targeted support for those in most need, but outwith the rates relief schemes; and a freezing of the poundage rate in next month’s Scottish Government Budget.
He said:
“The Small Business Bonus Scheme has been an essential lifeline for traders the length and breadth of Scotland since its introduction in 2008 – and especially during the most recent incredibly difficult years. Any increase on the rates our smaller operators will pay would be devastating and could force some into closure.
“Our research shows that the overwhelming majority of small businesses have seen their overhead costs increase this year, with one in six indicating that they are already considering shrinking, shutting or selling in the next 12 months. For the tens of thousands of traders who have enjoyed the relief the Small Business Bonus has provided, the prospect of revaluation or an increased poundage rate will be extremely worrying.
“That’s why we’ve called on Scottish Government to commit to freezing the poundage rate for at least the next 12 months.
“Against a backdrop of such turbulence, we must see targeted support for the small businesses who will find themselves being valued out of the Small Business Bonus Scheme. We also need to look at those hardest hit by sky-rocketing overheads, many of whom were also those most acutely affected by Covid, and whether the temporary Covid reliefs should be re-instated.”
ENDS
Notes:
- The Small Business Bonus Scheme (SBBS) offers a non-domestic rates – or business rates as they are often referred to – relief to non-domestic properties in Scotland under a certain size, as measured by their rateable value. In the most recent year, 123,010 businesses received SBBS relief