Call for doubling of rate relief for small firms

Published on 22/01/2007 00:52

THE Federation of Small Business Scotland yesterday called for the small business rates relief scheme (SBRRS) to be doubled, meaning that businesses with a rateable value of less than £3,500 would be taken out of the rates system completely.

Andy Willox, the policy convener of the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland (FSB), said: "All the main parties have publicly stated that they want to reduce the rates burden on Scotland's small businesses, and the obvious way to do that is to extend the small business rates relief scheme.

"The Executive's own research found that, although take-up of the scheme is high, an extension would make a more significant contribution to business growth and sustainability, especially in fragile rural and urban areas.

"England introduced a small business rates relief scheme in 2005, and we feel Scotland should again lead the way in small business support by doubling SBRRS, which could make a huge contribution to our business start-up, business sustainability and economic prospects."

FSB Scotland is also campaigning for the discount to be awarded for a period of five years, so that businesses do not need to apply every year.