The Scottish Retail Consortium has welcomed the SNP Government’s decision to provide 100% rates relief to Scottish retail, hospitality and leisure sectors along with aviation industries for a full year to support them during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The 100% rates relief will last from 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 and assist a wide range of businesses, including restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, shops, cinemas, bingo halls and letting agents.
The measures are part of the SNP Government’s £2.2 billion plan to support businesses as they experience the impact of COVID-19.
David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, welcomed the move as a “vital shot in the arm for a sector facing enormous uncertainty.”
Mr Lonsdale added:
“Scottish Ministers have acted swiftly to back businesses grappling with the immense challenges created by coronavirus.
“This is a hugely positive, welcome and necessary step to protect jobs and businesses in a sector employing a quarter of a million Scots directly and many more in the supply chain.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“The SNP Government has shown it can respond quickly to the changing needs of this important sector of our economy.
“Scottish Ministers are working with local authorities to ensure swift and efficient implementation.”
The SNP Government’s £2.2 billion business support package also includes:
£10,000 grants for small businesses in receipt of the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief;
£25,000 grants for hospitality, leisure and retail properties with a rateable value between £18,000 and £51,000; and
1.6% relief for all properties, effectively freezing the poundage rate next year.
ENDS
