Moray MP Douglas Ross has joined local businesses in opposition to SNP government plans to delay the next rates revaluation.
The Scottish Conservative MP has “listened carefully” to the views of local firms and their representative bodies including Moray Chamber of Commerce.
The next non-domestic rates (NDR) revaluation – usually every five years – had been due to take effect in 2022. The revaluation is based on the ‘rateable value’ of each property and dictates how much each business must pay in business rates for the next five years.
However, the Scottish Government wants to delay the implementation until 2023 and shift the ‘tone date’ at which properties are valued to 2022.
The move has been opposed by business bodies across Scotland, who are seeking a tone date of 2021 and then implementation in 2022 to better reflect the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:
“Businesses have never faced so much hardship than right now and many saw significant increases in rates bills at the last revaluation.
“I have listened carefully to the views of local firms and representative bodies such as Moray Chamber of Commerce, who have been clear they don’t want a delay.
“That would leave many continuing to pay unfair taxes at the worst possible time.
“The SNP appears to have ignored the view of business and in fact has failed to engage with them in a meaningful way.
“We oppose the SNP’s proposed delay and we hope they change their mind and start backing business.
“I would urge Moray MSP Richard Lochhead to make clear if he will back local businesses or toe the party line in Edinburgh.”
Sarah Medcraf, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, said:
“We are pleased that Douglas has listened to industry and is opposing the planned delay.
“Here in Moray and the wider Scottish Chambers of Commerce are not only against the delay but we are also seeking a valuation tone date of 1st April 2021 which will ensure Rateable Values from April 2022 reflect the full impact of Covid-19 and these most recent restrictions.
“Businesses are battling enough and need certainty.”