The reform of business rates should be the “first thing in the in-tray” of the newly appointed minister in charge of the brief, a new SNP MSP has said.
Firms across the country have complained of sharp increases in the levies following a revaluation which took effect last month, with businesses urging the Government to pause the process and reassess.
It became a key point during the election, with the SNP pledging to “rebalance” the system.
Speaking at an event for new MSPs hosted by the public affairs firm Linco in Edinburgh, Aberdeen Central’s Jack Middleton conceded there are “flaws” in the system.
“Through the course of my campaign in Aberdeen Central and across Scotland, there’s been evidence and situations where we’ve seen flaws in the system and people have seen extreme rises in business rates – that’s got to change,” he said.
“We committed in our manifesto to looking at rebalancing the business rates scheme.
“I’d like to see that done as quickly as possible, and whoever’s the economy secretary or the business minister, that’s got to be a top, top priority for them.
“It’s got to be the first thing in their in-tray.”
The re-balancing, he said, should target internet giants to ensure they “aren’t getting away with paying less tax and small businesses are being hampered”.
Catherine Sangster, the new Scottish Labour MSP on the panel, said the “ball is in the SNP’s court” on the devolved levy.
“Obviously, the UK Labour Government will do as much as they can to support business,” she added.
Max Bannerman, a Reform UK MSP, said “all available options” should be considered, adding he has already had businesses in his Highlands and Islands region get in touch about the issue.
Liberal Democrat MSP Sanne Dijkstra-Downie said the best way to influence business rates would be through the annual budget-setting process.
The Lib Dems secured relief for some firms through this year’s budget, and the party will engage with the Government on the issue before next year, the newly-elected MSP said.