Rates relief extended in Scotland

Scotland pub and bar businesses will pay no rates during 2021-22 under new proposals outlined yesterday.

The move builds on the three month rates relief extension announced in the Scottish budget and will be taken forward provided the Scottish government receives the funding already assumed from the UK budget on 3 March, and that requisite funds are available to maintain existing support into 2021-22.

“When I presented our budget last month I guaranteed to extend non-domestic rates relief further if I was given the necessary resources," says finance secretary Kate Forbes. "I can now deliver on that promise, providing the UK budget in March delivers the funding we require."

Extending the business rates relief is just one request being asked of Rishi Sunak, with pressure now growing on the chancellor following Forbes' announcement. 

“We welcome the news today that the Scottish government has heeded our calls for further fiscal support for our sector," says Emma McClarkin, CEO of Scottish beer & Pubs Association. "This news gives relief to the thousands of pub businesses in Scotland who have now been closed for several months and remain unclear when they will be able to open their doors again. Our industry is teetering on the precipice and we now urgently need a clear roadmap to reopening from the first minister when she unveils her framework next week - hospitality cannot be at the end of the queue.”