Question reference: S6W-13908
- Date lodged: 13 January 2023
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Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 26 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has received regarding its decision not to introduce business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, as has been introduced in Wales and England.
Answer
The Scottish Government has received correspondence from business representative organisations and individual businesses within the retail, hospitality or leisure sectors, or their elected representatives.
Prior to the publication of the Scottish Budget 2023-24, the number one ask of business organisations was to freeze the non-domestic rates poundage, which we have delivered, saving businesses £308 million compared to an inflationary increase, along with a package of reliefs worth £744m. We expect around half the properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors to be eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief next year. Properties in these sectors may also be eligible for the transitional relief schemes set out in the Budget.