In 2021/22 the SNP Government maintained 100% Retail, Hospitality, Leisure and Aviation relief for the entire year, saving businesses in these sectors a forecasted £712 million in 2021/22.
By June of this year the 4,290 eligible properties across North Ayrshire had already saved £22.3 million in non-domestic rates reliefs and the SNP Government will continue relief for properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, at 50% for the first three months of 2022/23, capped at £27,500 per ratepayer. This is estimated to save ratepayers in these sectors another £56 million in 2022/23.
The Scottish Budget 2022/23 will also expand the Business Growth Accelerator relief for property improvements to include the installation of solar panels as a qualifying improvement, with 100% relief on new builds for up to 12 months after first occupation and no rates increases for 12 months after a qualifying property improvement.
All the other existing non-COVID-19 NDR reliefs will be maintained in 2022/23, which is forecast to save ratepayers £745 million.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Again, this SNP budget delivers significant financial assistance to businesses to the best of its financial ability as we have come a long way moving out of the pandemic.
“Confidence amongst businesses has picked up as this year, they have reopened and, responsibly, receive customers on their premises again.
“I am delighted that, amongst other support measures, the rates relief package has been so helpful to Scotland’s businesses and the SNP Government’s new budget commits to further support.”
The SNP Government will furhermore bring forward legislation to provide North Ayrshire and other councils with the discretion to restrict the awarding of 100% empty property rates relief where the occupier has entered insolvency, compulsorily (by the court) or voluntarily.
This will deliver greater fiscal empowerment for councils in advance of the devolution of empty property relief in April 2023.
ENDS
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