Minister unveils rates relief offer

Jan 21 2013

Businesses are being encouraged to set up shop in Scotland with a new 100% rates relief offer.

The Scottish Government scheme aims to bring speculative development and investment while increasing the supply of new premises.

The relief covers new empty properties from April and can be applied for 18 months.

It is designed to complement the Fresh Start package for unoccupied premises on the high street and will run for three years.

Local government minister Derek Mackay said: "Scotland already has the most competitive rates regime in the UK, worth more than £500 million annually, and it's important that in tough times we listen to our developers and our business community, and take steps to encourage their continued investment in the economy.

"Through this new relief and our Fresh Start initiative, we are encouraging people to invest in Scotland, set up shop and capitalise on the business opportunities we offer."

David Lonsdale, assistant director of business representatives CBI Scotland, welcomed the initiative but called for the Government to scrap a planned levy on existing empty premises.

He said: "This time-limited rates concession for newly-built commercial development which lies empty mirrors the plans unveiled in the Chancellor's autumn statement, and is welcome and positive recognition of the importance of keeping business taxes down as a means of boosting demand for commercial premises.

"However, the Scottish Government should go much further and think afresh about their previous decision, due to come into effect in April, which will penalise the majority of firms with empty premises to the tune of £36 million in additional business rates over the next two years."