FSB urges major reform of business rates system

THE Federation of Small Businesses yesterday called for a more "modern, transparent and coherent system" for business rates in Scotland.

Launching a policy discussion paper, it also said the Scottish Assessors' Association should develop a more informal approach to queries from small businesses on rateable values, rather than the formal appeals process.

The FSB wants businesses, assessors and local authorities to look at ways to improve the current system ahead of next year's Scottish Parliament elections.

Andy Willox, the FSB's Scottish policy convenor, said: "Businesses are often perplexed about how the bill that falls through the door relates to the sector, size, location and turnover of their business. What firms should expect for what they pay needs to be properly discussed."

The deadline for firms appealing rating revaluations under the current system is Thursday.