Level playing field needed for Scottish Businesses

9.50.00am GMT Mon 1st Mar 2010

Businesses throughout Catriona Bhatia: Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale are being disadvantaged after the SNP Government abolished transitional relief on increased rates bills. Around 40% of Scottish businesses face an increase in their rates bills from 1st April 2010. Businesses in England facing the same increases will still benefit from transitional relief.

Catriona Bhatia, local Liberal Democrat Westminster Candidate said:

“Local businesses are already struggling due to the economic downturn, and some are being faced with increases in their rates bills of up to 20% due to revaluation. At the very least they need a level playing field with their English competitors.

I have been contacted by a number of local business owners who feel it is ridiculous that the SNP Government is prepared to ignore the impact of higher rates bills for 40% of Scottish businesses, by an out and out refusal to put in place any transitional arrangements, with no consultation with the business community.”