Nhbf asks scottish government to rethink scrapping uniform business rates

Published 02nd Jan 2020 by akesha
Nhbf asks scottish government to rethink scrapping uniform business rates In early December 2019 members of the Scottish Parliament voted to scrap uniform business rates and today the NHBF has submitted evidence with the hope that they rethink this change. The NHBF gave the evidence to the Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee which expressed concern about plans to pass over control of business rates to local authorities. If this is passed it's possible it could result in the increase of business rates for all businesses across Scotland and the loss of cross-Scotland rate relief benefits. Increased business rates wouldn't be welcomed news for hair salons, barbershops and beauty destinations which are the cornerstones of the British high street. There are currently 3,725 hair and beauty businesses operating in Scotland, which generates an annual turnover of 606 million pounds. The NHBF isn't the only group or organisation that has raised concerns. FSB Scotland, Scottish Retail Consortium, CBI Scotland and UKHospitality are all also opposed to the current proposals. On these proposed changes Hilary Hall, NHBF chief executive said: "Salons are already facing rising employment costs and increasing competition. Business rates are a significant cost for small businesses, so any move which could lead to local authorities imposing large increases is concerning." She continued, "Before such a major move is made, we feel that an assessment of the likely economic impact should have been done. We have made our views clear and hope that Members of the Scottish Parliament will reconsider when the Bill is looked at again in the New Year."
akesha

akesha

Published 02nd Jan 2020

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