Call for Rates Freeze: Scottish Food and Drink Bodies
A letter signed by representatives from the Scottish food and drink industry has been sent to the Government, asking for a freeze on business rates in the next financial year.
Among the 19 industry bodies that signed a letter to the Scottish Government’s Deputy First Minister and Interim Finance Secretary were the Food and Drink Federation Scotland, Scottish Bakers, and Scotch Whisky Association.
The signatories requested that the Scottish government freeze their headline business rate poundage to match what is happening in England. The call is in anticipation of the unveiling of the Scottish government’s budget on 15 December.
The letter stated that the government, much like businesses, have their own built-in costs and pressures of inflation. They went on to say that they have made significant progress in recent years concerning other aspects of rates reform – such as more frequent revaluations, retention of the uniform business rate ,and restoring parity on the higher property rate with England.
Scotland’s business rates have increased to a 23-year high, according to reports. Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer confirmed in the UK Government’s Autumn Statement that there would be no increase in business rates next April for England.
News Credits: Scottish food and drink bodies call for rates freeze
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