Chamber campaigns on business rates

For many businesses rates bills received earlier this year following the rates

revaluation meant signifi cant cost increases.

The withdrawal of transitional relief, which had been available previously

(and which would limit increases to 12.5% per annum) and the short notice before payments were demanded, has compounded the issue and prompted Scottish Chambers of Commerce to mount a campaign with the Scottish Government to lessen the impact of this year’s rates revaluation.

Representatives of Scottish Chambers of Commerce met with the Finance Secretary John Swinney MSP in July to articulate the concerns of their members.

Fife Chamber Chief Executive, Alan Russell, told FBM, “We remain concerned

about the Scottish Government’s continued intransigence on the issue of transitional relief.

The fact is that many businesses across Scotland are facing rates bills that

have doubled overnight and the Government here is failing to provide the same cushion that businesses in England have received. With little notice and no consultation prior to the withdrawal of transitional relief in Scotland,businesses have had no time to plan for the additional costs, and the results, in some circumstances, could be catastrophic.”

The Minister has however agreed to look again at some of the arcane appeals procedures which could delay businesses receiving a positive outcome to the challenges to their rates assessments. The Minister has also agreed for his civil servants to discuss further with Scottish Chambers the Government’s calculations regarding this year’s revaluation.

Fife Chamber is advising its members to consider lodging an appeal before the 30th September deadline if their rates bills have increased since the revaluation.

It also recommends that businesses take professional advice from a Chartered Surveyor who will advise on the actions necessary and conduct the appeal if required.

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Permalink: http://www.fifebusinessmatters.co.uk/articles/404563-chamber-campaigns-on-business-rates.html

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