Non-domestic Rates Relief Extended - No Charges For All Of 21/22 and more....

16th February 2021

Retail, tourism, hospitality and aviation businesses will pay no rates during 2021-22 under proposals outlined today.

It is one of a series of measures proposed by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes following confirmation of a further £1.1 billion of consequential funding arising from UK Government coronavirus (COVID-19) spending.

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.

Newspapers will also continue to benefit from 100% relief for a further 12 months, while charitable rates relief will not be removed from mainstream independent schools until 1 April 2022 due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Other extra spending in 2021-22 arising from the latest consequentials includes:

£120 million for mental health

£120 million for affordable housing

£100 million to support people on low incomes

£60 million for schools to help pupils catch-up on missed education

£60 million for NHS recovery

£45 million for heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency and fuel poverty

£21.5 million for Scottish Enterprise

Separately, local authorities will receive an extra £275 million in the current financial year to address COVID-19 pressures, while a further £40 million is being made available to support the safe reopening of schools.

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

"The other measures I am proposing today, including further support for hospitals, schools and local government and measures to tackle climate change, build on our priorities to ensure a robust recovery for our economy and public services.

“This welcome additional consequential funding was confirmed to us yesterday and I wanted give early notice to parliament and provide clarity to businesses.

“We are still in the throes of a national emergency and it is important Parliament works together to respond. I will continue to work with all parties to help deliver a budget for the nation fit for these times."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Yesterday : Local Authority

 
Highland Council welcomes funding boost to support households struggling with fuel costs

The Highland Council has welcomed an increase of £750,000 of funding from the SSE Renewables Highland Sustainable Development Fund to support private householders experiencing extreme fuel poverty in Highland.   The two-year grant will support the delivery of the Council’s Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (EES:ABS), funded by The Scottish Government, which funds energy efficiency home improvements that can help lower fuel costs and improve living conditions for Highland residents.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

Councillors set to challenge huge Highland powerline plan

Highland councillors are set to reaffirm their opposition to a massive new 400kV powerline stretching across the region when they meet today.   The North and South Planning Committees are joining forces to consider the proposed Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission project, one of the biggest electricity infrastructure schemes ever proposed in the Highlands.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Why Are Scottish Pupils Falling Behind England? The PISA Results Demand a Rethink

There are few subjects more important to parents than the education their children receive.  It determines not only what they know when they leave school, but increasingly their opportunities throughout adult life.  

9/9/2026 : Local Authority

From Abeyance to 18 Candidates: What Has Happened to Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Council?” 18 Candidates For 6 Seats

Following the close of nominations on Monday 7 September noon, the statements of persons nominated for each community council have been published on the council’s website.  Now able to confirm that out of 20 Community Councils seeking membership, 15 have formed, 4 have not formed and 1 may require an election as they exceed the number of available vacancies.  

8/9/2026 : Local Authority

Where Will the Cuts Fall? Scotland’s Public Services Face Another Squeeze

The Scottish Government is facing a difficult financial year.  But the real question for councils, NHS boards and other public bodies is simple who will absorb the pressure? The latest Scottish Fiscal Commission report contains an important warning for Scotland's public services.  

7/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council opens statutory public consultation on a Tiered Fixed-Amount Visitor Levy proposal

All residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on a proposal for a tiered fixed-rate amount Visitor Levy in Highland.  The public consultation survey is now open (Monday 7 September) for a 12-week statutory period.  

6/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland's £2.1 Billion Promise - Big Plans Meet a Very Different Financial Reality

£2.1 billion is a difficult number for most people to comprehend.   It is so large that it can make almost any announcement sound impressive.  

4/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Eilidh Primrose is the New Highland Youth Convener

The Highlands has a new young people’s champion after confirmation that Eilidh Primrose has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener for 2026-27.   Twenty-two-year-old Eilidh, who lives in Inverness, is the 18th person appointed to the position and has taken over from Leah McBain.  

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

2/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.