Boyack backs rates relief for business

CITY Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has backed calls by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce for transitional relief to help businesses struggling with new rates bills.

She said some businesses across Scotland faced increases of up to 200 per cent in their business rates bill as a result of revaluation.

Ms Boyack, MSP for Edinburgh Central, said: "The Scottish Government's rates revaluation has been a disaster for businesses in Edinburgh and thousands are now seeking to appeal their decisions.

"In meetings with the Chamber of Commerce I have heard about how small businesses are being hammered by massive hikes in rates while at the same time being lifted above the threshold for support from the small business bonus scheme.

"I am greatly concerned about the impact that the rate hikes will have on jobs in the city. Transitional relief would help cushion the blow for the thousands of businesses in Edinburgh and across Scotland that are affected by these rises."