Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has criticised the Scottish Government’s latest attempt to solve the emerging business rates revaluation crisis in Scotland.
The Finance Secretary, Derek MacKay has bowed to pressure from the Scottish Conservatives and businesses across Scotland and introduced a cap of 12.5% for businesses in the hospitality sector and office businesses in the North East.
A breakdown of figures shows that in Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Fife and Clackmannanshire only 1134 out of the 7359 businesses facing rates increase will benefit from this scheme.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Finance Secretary has been dragged kicking and screaming to the Scottish Parliament, but his announcement of rates relief will only help 1 in 6 businesses in Mid-Scotland and Fife who are facing rates hikes.
“The SNP have been warned about this crisis for over a month but repeatedly passed the buck and insisted they couldn’t do anything to help.
“Some businesses will face increases of thousands of pounds and whilst those in the hospitality industry will welcome the 12.5% cap the reality is that other sectors will continue to struggle.”