ONLY one in eight pubs, hotels and eateries will get full business rates discount, it has emerged.
And now hospitality chiefs slammed the Scottish Government over the “utterly unacceptable” figure.
Stephen Montgomery has slammed the Scottish Government[/caption]
It comes amid ongoing controversy around Scotland’s non-domestic rates system and claims of a more generous regime in England.
Stephen Montgomery, director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, said: “The Scottish Government has now almost completely abandoned our hospitality sector.
“And this rates news will be an absolute body blow for landlords, restaurateurs and hoteliers across the country.”
We can reveal that of around 5,000 hospitality premises, official estimates show only 600 could pay no rates at all in the new financial year, starting today.
Hospitality firms can get relief of up to 40 per cent, up to a maximum of £110,000.
But they need to have a rateable value of £51,000 or less to qualify.
There has been a raft of business closures north of the border since Covid.
Nats ministers vowed in 2023 to “explore long-term targeted solutions”.
But finance minister Ivan McKee said there are currently “no plans” to reform the overall system.
Scottish Tory business spokesman Murdo Fraser said: “Arrogant SNP ministers have refused to listen.
“Vital jobs are at risk of being lost as a result of their failures.”
The Scottish Government says overall reliefs are around £731million.
A spokesperson added: “Around half of properties in retail, hospitality and leisure will continue to be eligible for 100 per cent Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.”
Only 1 in 8 pubs, hotels and eateries will get full business rates discount in Scotland[/caption]
