The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) has joined the growing list of concerned stakeholders in Scotland over proposals to grant local authorities the power to set business rates, following an amendment tabled to the Scottish Government’s Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill.
The Scottish Government remain opposed to the amendment, lodged at Stage 2 in the legislative process by Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman, which received the support of opposition parties.
Passing control over Scotland’s £2.8bn business rates to councils is opposed by a number of trade associations and business organisations, who have also written to MSPs to express their concerns, and the ASSC have joined this united front.
Fiona Campbell, Chief Executive of the ASSC, said:
“This cross-sectoral appeal to MSPs highlights the very real concerns from the business community in Scotland regarding this amendment. The professional self-catering sector, an important lynchpin of Scotland’s tourism industry, are also extremely concerned about what it will entail.”
“The lack of an economic impact assessment for the proposals – as well as a thorough consultation process for such a significant change to the NDR regime – heightens our concerns.”
“At Stage 3, we would therefore urge MSPs to protect small businesses throughout Scotland by voting against this amendment and to retain the Uniform Business Rate.”