Scots cry foul over cut in business rates relief threshold

Despite previously announced plans to freeze the basic rate charged for business rates, the SGF said the plan to lower the threshold was bad news.

SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: “At the very least, the deputy first minister should match the targeted support announced for retail in the chancellor’s autumn statement.

“Instead, many small businesses will see their rates relief dropped by up to 75%.

“Convenience retailing businesses are being confronted with an exceptionally challenging trading environment, which is characterised by the industry being exposed to soaring energy costs, rising inflation, rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis.”

Although he welcomed the “overdue freeze” on the basic rate of business rates, Cheema added that the government should “deliver meaningful support for struggling businesses instead of trying to pull the wool over people’s eyes”.