Scottish pubs will be left significantly worse off than in England, due to the lack of business rate support in the Scottish Budget, according to UKHospitality Scotland.
A new analysis shows the extent to which hospitality businesses are being financially disadvantaged by a lack of support from the Scottish Government. The figures will be highlighted in an evidence session with the Economy Committee.
An average pub in Scotland will be £15,000 worse off than its equivalent in England, with a medium-sized hotel finding themselves £30,000 worse off. Larger businesses have been denied support worth up to £110,000, the payment cap.
In December, the Scottish Government chose not to introduce any form of business rates relief scheme for hospitality venues. This is in contrast to England, which extended its 75 percent business rates relief and resulted in millions of pounds being allocated to the Scottish Government. According to The Fraser of Allander Institute, at least 10,000 hospitality businesses are now operating without any financial assistance. Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said these figures clearly illustrate the real-life consequences of the Scottish Government’s decisions.
"In the current climate, it is almost impossible to fathom a local pub landlord or hotel manager being able to find thousands of pounds to pay a bumper business rates bill in April. Many are struggling to keep the lights on as it is, in the face of extortionate rises in energy, food, drink and wages," said Thompson.
"It is an active choice of the Scottish Government not to support these critical venues and leave them significantly worse off than their English counterparts, for the second year in a row."
Thompson said that there is still time for the Scottish Government to put right their widely criticised decision not to provide business rates support this year.
"Our pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes, to name a few, are pillars of our communities. They’re where we go to meet friends and family, celebrate an occasion or for some much-needed relaxation. As they finalise this year’s Budget, I would urge them to use the funds available to them and introduce a 75 percent business rates relief scheme."
