The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, alongside a number of key industry stakeholders, has responded to the call for evidence from the Barclay Review of Business Rates.
The Barclay Review was established by the Scottish Government in order to make recommendations to enhance and reform the business rate system in Scotland.
The ASSC, British Hospitality Association, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Rates Assessors and others provided a collective submission to the Barclay Review, highlighting 11 key points for action. Read the submission: Hospitality Valuations Working Group Meeting Actions.
In February, the ASSC reported that the self-catering industry had been hit by significant proposed rateable value increases – with a sector average of 65% – following the rates revaluation and called on the Scottish Government to introduce a transitional relief system until the conclusion of the Barclay Review. The following month, the Scottish Government announced that they would apply a 12.5% rate cap, a decision welcomed by the ASSC, with Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop MSP confirming that the cap would also apply to self-catering.
However, it is abundantly clear that the current system is no longer fit for purpose and that a long-term sustainable solution is required.
The Barclay Review is expected to report to Scottish Government Ministers in July 2017.