A local councillor has welcomed a business rate review after the Scottish Government announced they will apply some of the changes that have been recommended.
The Barclay Review’s remit was to reform the non-domestic rates (business rates) system in Scotland to better support business growth and long-term investment. The Scottish Government has now announced that it will be pushing ahead with the majority of the recommendations with the initial focus on supporting nurseries and a new Business Growth Accelerator which will benefit town centres and new businesses.
The proposed Business Growth Accelerator will ensure all improved premises are freed from increases in their bills for the first 12 months – and all new premises will not have to pay rates until they are occupied, or for the first year afterwards.
The SNP Scottish Government announced further measures to stimulate the economy, boost transparency, tackle tax avoidance – as well as confirming that the new day nursery relief will be set at 100%.
Kenny MacLaren SNP councilor for Paisley Northwest said: “These measures will provide a boost for town centres, nurseries and new businesses.”
“Setting the new day nursery relief at 100% will help to deliver the expansion of nursery provision across Renfrewshire and Scotland.
“The Business Growth Accelerator is very welcome news, not just for new businesses but also for our town centres. This will see properties which have lain empty for six months will now get 100% relief from business rates once a new business occupies these premises. New build premises will be free from rates until they are occupied and then the new tenants would get a year free of business rates. These moves will help to bring empty properties in town centres back into productive use.
“Further recommendations of the Barclay Review – including the issue of rates relief – require further consultation with interested parties but the SNP Scottish Government has indicated its acceptance of the Review and the further recommendations will help to revitalise local economies.”
Back in April, Ken Barclay, who is behind the review told Holyrood’s local government committee he didn’t know if the review would see “tinkering around the edges or a complete redesign” or change bills.
Main photo: Ken Barcley detailing his findings to Holyrood’s local government committee.