Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
31/10/2012

Opposition Over Holyrood Rates Relief Cuts

Scottish government plans to cut rates relief for empty shops and offices have been met with fierce opposition.

Holyrood has made assurances by saying the move is just part of a plan to support town centres and that rates relief will still remain more generous than in England.

The new legislation is intended to encourage landlords to let properties.

But CBI Scotland said this would increase the burden on companies by £18m a year.

"This increase in taxation will make it more expensive for firms to invest and create jobs and is simply the wrong approach," said CBI Scotland director Iain McMillan.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

"For many firms this tax rise feels more like a stick than a carrot. After all, commercial premises are rarely left empty on purpose as they do not generate an income."

David Melhuish, director of the Scottish Property Federation, said: "This will lead to further administrations as landlords struggle to pay an 80% increase in their vacant rates costs and will put pressure on ratepayers who cannot sublet or dispose of unwanted property assets."

MSPs are due to vote today on the final stage of the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Scotland's town centres are blighted by empty buildings and our suggested reforms will encourage landlords to let out empty properties as well as create new rates discounts for entrepreneurs who take on these properties.

"Reform of empty property rates, which currently costs over £150 million a year, is only part of our proposals to support town centres.

"The total relief package offered by Scottish Government now exceeds £500 million per year and has either eliminated or substantially reduced business rates for three out of every five commercial properties."

(IT)

Latest Construction News

23/04/2024

The Scottish Government has been urged to "holds its nerve" against housebuilder calls to 'pause and review' its proposed Scottish Passivhaus equivalent policy. The policy, which is due to be adopted as legislation in December 2024, has been developed in response to strong popular support from the ...
23/04/2024

The Scottish National Investment Bank (the Bank) has announced a commitment of a further £20 million to the Mid-Market Rent (MMR) strategy managed by Thriving Investments, the social value and ESG-focused real estate fund manager. The Bank's follow-on investment will support the development of up ...
23/04/2024

Edinburgh-based ground care and forestry equipment specialist, Field and Forest, is gearing up for a landmark showcase at ScotPlant 2024 – Scotland's premier construction and plant hire event. The event marks the first major exhibition for Field and Forest since becoming the authorised dealer for ...
23/04/2024

East Dunbartonshire Council has launched a public consultation on new draft planning guidance, to inform a Masterplan to direct future growth, attract new investment and deliver long-term employment opportunities. This work supports the Council's £34.88 million Place and Growth Programme – backed ...
23/04/2024

Falkirk Council has announced the appointment of David Morton Demolition for a highly sought-after contract, signalling the start of a significant period of transformation for the High Street. The demolition process is expected to span 12 months, with the first major task being the removal of the ...
23/04/2024

Network Rail has announced the official re-opening of Thornton Road Bridge following the successful completion of a programme of works in East Kilbride. The bridge has been replaced as part of a wider £140m Scottish Government investment in the East Kilbride Enhancement project to decarbonise ...
22/04/2024

Scottish Water has announced a £2 million programme of upgrade works for the water main network in North Ayrshire. The publicly owned utility will begin installing nearly two miles of new pipework along the route of the A78 between Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie on Tuesday 7 May 2024. Using an ...
22/04/2024

SSEN Distribution has announced a £4.1m project to replace over 3.7km of underground cables between its Persley and Bridge of Don substations in Aberdeen. This work will improve the supplies to over 7,000 homes and businesses, making the network more robust and resilient. In addition, the ...
22/04/2024

The City of Edinburgh Council has announced a record funding boost for the Capital's roads and infrastructure projects in nearly a decade. The Roads and Infrastructure Investment – Capital Delivery Priorities for 2024/25 report, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday ...
22/04/2024

The Scottish Parliament is set to consider the introduction of a new tax to raise funding to fix unsafe cladding/ The proposed Scottish Building Safety Levy would apply to the construction of new residential buildings, mirroring measures being introduced in England through the Building Safety Act ...
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdMaterials Market LtdToner Damp Proofing SuppliesNo HydroBurnside Plant Hire LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesHORSTADRBT Underfloor LimitedScotdeck Ltd
Terms and Conditions
2024/04/23 22:21:38