More small businesses are seeking rate relief

The number of small businesses taking rates relief has risen by almost a fifth, it emerged yesterday.

Scottish Government figures estimate that 110,500 premises received non-domestic rates relief in 2009-10 compared with 94,000 the previous year - a rise of 18 per cent.

Some 74,000 business properties paid nothing or had reduced rates through the government's small business bonus schemes.

Andy Willox, Scottish policy convenor of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: "In the current climate, every penny counts and every small business which is eligible for rates relief should make sure they're receiving it."

Business properties with a rateable value of up to 10,000 are able to apply for 100 per cent relief, up from an 8,000 threshold last year.

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said many businesses were "still facing the pain".

She said: "The fact that 15 per cent of firms which are eligible for relief under the small business bonus scheme are not yet claiming this benefit shows that there is still some way to go before take up is universal, and we welcome the commitment by the Scottish Government to write to these businesses to remind them of the significant savings that can be achieved."

Lib Dem finance spokesman Jeremy Purvis repeated his party's call for a transitional rates relief scheme.

"It's pure arrogance from the SNP to deny the concerns about soaring rates bills."