In a preliminary response to the Scottish Government's
Draft 2025-26 Budget, David
Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail
Consortium, said:
“The Scottish Government has seen the light and turned away from
the damaging and retrograde idea of introducing a business rate
surtax on grocery retailers. This ill-considered measure would
have unfairly penalised food and drink shops who already pay very
significant amounts in rates and who face a business rate already
at a 25-year high. These retailers are being clobbered by
the UK Government's colossal increase in employer national
insurance contributions which disproportionately impacts the
retail industry, which has seen sales flatline for much of the
year.
“Removing this surtax lifts a damaging cloud from the investment
horizon and allows grocers to more favourably assess Scotland as
a nation with investment potential. Scottish Ministers
promised to consult widely and fairly and deserve praise for
clearly listening to our representations and ditching this
grocery surtax.”
Welcoming the funding for Police Scotland to tackle crime
against retailers, Mr Lonsdale added:
"Retail crime has become a scourge of communities across Scotland
and we know that soaring levels of shoplifting is the main factor
behind abuse and threats towards shop workers. The vital
funding promised by the Finance Secretary is positive and must be
used effectively to tackle persistent offenders and organised
crime. Retailers are already taking action to make shops safer
for customers and colleagues; they'll warmly welcome this further
support from the Scottish Government."
