Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Sottish Chambers Of Commerce Reacts To Mixed Results Of Holyrood Rates Vote

5th February 2020

Scottish Chambers of Commerce reacts to mixed results of Holyrood rates vote.

Whilst welcoming the Scottish Parliament's decision to retain the Uniform Business Rate, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has urged the Scottish Parliament to reconsider what it believes is a major barrier to a more flexible, responsive rates system outside of the revaluation cycle following voting on the Non Domestic Rates Bill (Scotland) today.

Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:"The Scottish Chambers of Commerce is deeply concerned about the impact of Section 8B of the Bill which has the effect of completely removing Scottish ratepayers' appeal rights when there is a change in economic circumstances.

"SCC made clear our views that this Section came forward at Stage 2 without proper consultation or consideration of the ratepayers that it would affect, and now guarantees a more inflexible system to market changes and undermines the move to three yearly revaluations.

“The Conservative party tabled a Stage 3 amendment to seek such a consultation but all other parties voted against this sensible amendment to what we believe is a part of the Bill that will be damaging to all ratepayers in Scotland and will prove to be a major barrier to a more flexible, responsive rates system outside of the revaluation cycle, which is what the Bill’s purpose was."

On the MSPs’ rejection of amendments calling for changes to the Uniform Business rate, Dr Cameron said:“SCC welcomes the rejection of an amendment to the Non-Domestic rates bill which would have seen powers over business rates devolved to local authorities. What is clear is that transformative changes such as this should be subject to significant scrutiny, taking into consideration the significant changes this could bring to the business environment.

“As a network, SCC is mindful of calls for greater regional powers which continue to be a feature of discussions with our members. The Bill has however, devolved powers on setting of empty property relief to local authorities which will create differences in treatment of empty properties in different local authority areas."

On new powers for Scottish Assessors, Dr Cameron continued:“SCC is concerned that calls for softening the imposition of onerous penalties and compliance deadlines have been rejected. This aspect of the bill will be particularly challenging for SMEs who often do not always have the resources to manage what information is being requested and for what purpose. The Chamber Network believes the penalty system in England appears more reasonable and proportionate and we urge Scottish Government to rethink and bring penalties more in line so companies in Scotland are not disadvantaged.”

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

21/7/2024
Can Your Caithness and North Sutherland Business Use an Apprentice - Funding Help Is Available
The Caithness Business Fund offers grants for local businesses to take on apprentices.   Another closing date is approaching for applications 1st August.  
1/7/2024
Opportunity For limited company, social enterprise, or charity trading for up to five years
Ready to take your business to the next level.   Caithness Chamber of Commerce is highlighting an opportunity for grants and loans.  
30/6/2024
Attention Caithness And Sutherland EntrepreneursThumbnail for article :  Attention Caithness And Sutherland Entrepreneurs
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce Business Awards are here to celebrate your success.   This prestigious event is your chance to enhance your business's visibility and receive well-deserved accolades.  
4/3/2024
Futureskills Apprenticeship Grant Scheme AnnouncementThumbnail for article : Futureskills Apprenticeship Grant Scheme Announcement
The Caithness Business Fund is celebrating a substantial investment boost of £100,000 from Focus North partners NRS Dounreay and the NDA to support the launch of FutureSkills.   The apprenticeship grant scheme is designed to tackle skills shortages and drive investment in new opportunities for both businesses and young people in the North Highlands.  
5/2/2024
Exciting New Post In Caithness To Highlight OpportunitiesThumbnail for article : Exciting New Post In Caithness To Highlight Opportunities
The Chamber is looking to recruit a Talent Attraction/Recruitment Specialist for its Recruit North Highlands initiative.  This is a new and exciting post which will see the successful candidate play a unique and pivotal role in attracting talent to the region.  
15/11/2022
Smart Meters Are A Smart Decision For Your Business This WinterThumbnail for article : Smart Meters Are A Smart Decision For Your Business This Winter
Firms of all sizes are currently confronted by a host of challenges, from soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates.  As a business owner, you need to ensure that your doors stay open and that your business can thrive no matter what the season brings.   Did you know that a smart meter could help your business this winter and beyond? Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters currently being rolled out in homes and small businesses across Great Britain by energy suppliers.  
25/9/2022
UK Government Needs To Go Further On Energy Costs Says Caithness Chamber Of Commerce
Responding to the release of further details from the UK Government on the energy support plan for business, Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: "Whilst it is welcome that the UK Government has finally responded and stepped up to provide an initial support package for firms by capping wholesale energy prices for six months, it is simply not enough.   We hope that the Chancellor's fiscal statement on Friday, will give more detail on support for businesses.  
30/9/2021
Space Hub Sutherland Will Be A Launch Pad For Jobs And The EconomyThumbnail for article : Space Hub Sutherland Will Be A Launch Pad For Jobs And The Economy
A new report launched (Wednesday 29th September 2021), commissioned by Caithness Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership, demonstrates the economic benefits that Space Hub Sutherland will bring to the North Highland and Moray areas.   Space Hub Sutherland - a new satellite launch site - will bring huge employment and tourism benefits to the Scottish Highlands.  
27/8/2020
#protectnorthhighlands Launches Offering Free Test And Protect Solution Across Caithness And SutherlandThumbnail for article : #protectnorthhighlands Launches Offering Free Test And Protect Solution Across Caithness And Sutherland
Caithness Chamber of Commerce's new Test and Protect service, #ProtectNorthHighlands, goes live today (26 August) across Caithness and Sutherland.  Offering a simple, secure way for businesses to store customer data in line with Scottish Government's requirements for Test and Protect, the service is free to all businesses across the region thanks to the generous support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  
20/8/2020
Scottish Chamber of Commerce Respond To Scottish Government Gdp Statistics For Q2 2020
Commenting on the publication of Scottish Government GDP statistics for Q2 2020, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: "The collapse in Scotland's GDP in the second quarter sets alarm bells ringing even if the fall was expected.  The 19.7% decline from April to June makes Scotland’s and the UK’s economies among the worst performing in Europe.