Rural businesses welcome rates review but urge Scottish Government to take immediate action
Press ReleaseRural businesses will welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to review long-standing problems with non-domestic rates - but immediate action is needed and can be implemented.
Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, said the actions announced by Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth in parliament today did represent an important recognition of the pressures facing businesses across rural Scotland.
However, SLE said speedy action on all reviews - including a fundamental change in methodology – was now needed rather than further delay.
Cameron Gillies, head of external affairs, at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to improve transparency and work with businesses to build a new system. Businesses need a system that gives them the confidence to invest, expand and create jobs - not one that penalises them for doing so.
“However, there is also a need for pace. What rural businesses now need is meaningful change in how rates are assessed, with reforms brought forward as quickly as possible.
“SLE has been working with rural businesses and stakeholders from across industries to develop an alternative based on a business’s ability to pay, rather than an arbitrary rental value. Our approach would protect business viability and local government revenue, encouraging growth and preventing the business failures that the current system has delivered. We look forward to working constructively with government, assessors, local authorities and MSPs.”
The commitments announced by government include:
· A rapid review of anomalies arising from the 2026 revaluation process
· Examination of wider improvements and reforms to the non-domestic rates system
· Increased capacity in the tribunal system to ensure business rates appeals are dealt with more quickly
· Work with COSLA to ensure accurate bills are issued to businesses on time in future.