In a preliminary response to the announcement of the Scottish
Government's draft Budget, David Lonsdale, Director of
the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:
“Scottish Ministers seem to have their heart in the right place
by providing a limited business rate discount for retail and
hospitality businesses; but we fear they have significantly
stumbled on the detail. At first glance, the cap on the relief
which can be claimed means it falls well short of the permanent
business rate discount on offer to retailers in England.
“Medium-sized and larger retailers underpin the vitality of our
high streets and town and city centres. Those businesses drive
footfall and account for a large share of retail employment. By
fumbling the chance to adequately match England's more
competitive rates regime we risk becoming materially less
attractive as a location for investment. We fear this will have
unwelcome consequences for retailers' investment plans and the
health of Scotland's retail destinations.
“It's worth noting Ministers have clearly listened to our
representations and acted positively in straightened financial
circumstances to continue the £3 million funding for the Retail
Crime Taskforce. Retail crime remains a blight on communities
across Scotland and this investment can help Police Scotland
build on the positive start this year.
“Whilst there appear to be no new significant burdens on
retailers, we believe there was scope to do much more at a time
when retail sales and footfall are in the doldrums. Regrettably
the Budget falls short of the industry and government's shared
ambition of making Scotland the best place in the UK to grow a
retail business.”
ENDS-
Notes to Editors
The Scottish Retail
Consortium's Budget Submission, Aisles of Ambition, can be read
here: https://brc.org.uk/media/chwasilr/scottish-budget-2025_v2.pdf
