US EditionBusiness Rates Relief Package a ‘Sticking Plaster’, Scottish Ministers Warned
The £322 million relief package includes cuts and extensions but critics say it falls short as 96% of retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors still face higher bills.
- On January 13, 2026, Shona Robison announced a three-year business rates support package including extension of the small business bonus and cuts to basic, intermediate, and higher property rates ahead of the Scottish Budget.
- After intense lobbying from retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, the Scottish Government acted on fears the revaluation could force firms out of business ahead of the Scottish Budget.
- Targeted relief will deliver £138m to retail, hospitality and leisure sectors over three years, including 15% relief in 2026/ 2027, and help worth up to £138m per business per year.
- The Federation of Small Businesses warned relief is capped, time-limited, and `does not address the volatility created by revaluation or the cumulative burden of rising costs, leaving many businesses still on the precipice of commercial viability,` Guy Hinks said.
- Ms Robison also signalled further support if Barnett consequentials arrive, maintained relief for hospitality businesses in the Highlands and Islands, and acknowledged cliff-edge risks for some firms.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Evening Standard
Business rates relief package a ‘sticking plaster’, Scottish ministers warned
Finance Secretary Shona Robison has announced her Budget for 2026-27.
Business briefing: Scottish Budget, Hall & Woodhouse, Heineken
Hospitality trade groups have united in a call for a reduction in business rates ahead of today’s Scottish budget. They are highlighting the huge disparity in rates bills for pubs north of the border over the last three years. In a joint Statement from the Scottish Beer & Pub Association, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Hospitality Group, Night-Time Industries Association Scotland, and UKHospitality Scotland, they said support is v…
Talking Retail
RetailWitScottish independent retailers face ‘make or break’ Budget
An independent retailers association has echoed warnings that tomorrow's Scottish Budget could determine the future of the country's high streets, as the finance secretary faces mounting pressure to deliver genuine business rates relief. The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) joined eleven other retail bodies last… This story continues at Scottish independent retailers face ‘make or break’ Budget Or just read more coverage at Talki…
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