SRC wants review of retail rates

The number of people venturing out to Scotland’s high streets and shopping centres fell sharply last month, prompting calls for a shake-up of business rates to help struggling retailers.

The SRC is calling for action on rates and suggests reform is needed. Picture: Jane Barlow

While shopper numbers across the UK dipped by 2.9 per cent in February, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) today revealed a 4.1 per cent slide north of the Border, following a 1.8 per cent drop the previous month.

SRC director David Lonsdale said: “Reform of the near £3 billion business rates system is required in order to support retailers to invest further in improvements and local jobs”.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government said: “We are delivering the most competitive business tax environment in the UK and taking steps – through our town centre action plan – to ensure that our town centres are vibrant, attractive and safe places where people want to spend time and money.”