Retailers to write to their MSP on Business Rates, as part of a Scotland wide SGF letter campaign

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation has urged its members across Scotland to write to both their local MSP and the Minister for Public Finance, calling on the Scottish Government to match the rates relief provided to retail businesses in England.

In the Autumn Statement 2022, the UK Chancellor committed to provide 75% business rates relief for properties in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors in England - for 2023/24. SGF, along with other representatives across the retail sector, have called on the Scottish Government to act urgently to provide the same support for businesses North of the border.

SGF has provided an open letter for its members to use as a template, highlighting the key role retail has in the Scottish Economy and the challenges facing the sector.

SGF Chief Exec, Dr Pete Cheema said: “SGF has repeatedly called for the Scottish Government to take urgent action to alleviate the pressures on businesses and the convenience retail sector.

“Retailers are being confronted with an exceptionally challenging trading environment, alongside soaring energy costs, rising inflation, rising interest rates and a cost-of-living crisis. At the very minimum, the Scottish Government should match the targeted support announced for retail in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

“The overdue freeze on the non-domestic Basic Rate announced in the Scottish Budget is a start, but many retail businesses in Scotland are already at a competitive disadvantage to their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

“We are urging all retailers across Scotland to take part in our campaign and write to both the minister and their local MSP, to raise their concerns.”

The retail sector in Scotland employs close to 230,000 people. However, Scottish businesses still face a higher property rate poundage which is above that levied in England.