SCOTTISH finance minister Kate Forbes has announced that the current non-domestic rates ‘holiday’ is to be extended until April 2022.
Speaking in the parliament today (16th February) Forbes said that hospitality, tourism, retail and aviation businesses will pay no business rates during the 2021-22 tax year. The announcement followed the confirmation of a further £1.1 billion in consequential funding from Westminster.
“When I presented our budget last month I guaranteed to extend non-domestic rates relief further if I was given the necessary resources,” said Forbes.
“I can now deliver on that promise, providing the UK Budget in March delivers the funding we require.
“The other measures I am proposing today, including further support for hospitals, schools and local government and measures to tackle climate change, build on our priorities to ensure a robust recovery for our economy and public services.
“This welcome additional consequential funding was confirmed to us yesterday and I wanted give early notice to parliament and provide clarity to businesses.
“We are still in the throes of a national emergency and it is important parliament works together to respond. I will continue to work with all parties to help deliver a budget for the nation fit for these times.”
