|
SNP
announce proposals to help small businesses
The
SNP today announced proposals for a new small business rate
policy designed to reduce the burdens that can hold back
small businesses.
The
SNP aim to reduce the burden of business rates on the smallest
of businesses so that they will be able to grow and develop
into the medium sized businesses and large businesses of
the future. The small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
sector has traditionally been important to the economy for
various reasons; as a source of entrepreneurship and innovation,
a driver of competition, local economic vibrancy and a mechanism
for job creation.
Under
the 'Small Business Bonus' scheme the SNP propose to abolish
business rates completely for all businesses with a rateable
value of £8,000 and below. Small businesses with a
rateable value of between £8,001 and £10,000
will be entitled to a 50% business rate relief and businesses
with a rateable value of between £10,001 and £15,000
will be entitled to a relief of 25%. Three out of four businesses
in Falkirk District will be better off under the SNP's proposals.
Large businesses will continue, of course, to benefit from
the return of business rate parity with England.
Falkirk
Council's Depute Convener of Economic Development, Councillor
Angus MacDonald welcomed the policy announcement stating:-
"This is good news for small businesses the length
and breadth of Falkirk District, from Banknock and Bonnybridge
in the west to Bo'ness and Blackness in the east. The SNP
is determined to support the small business sector which
in turn will stimulate the wider economy. The Scottish Parliament's
Local Government Committee recently concluded that small
businesses currently face a disproportionate rates burden
and this policy directly addresses that problem. The SNP
is working hard to deliver a real boost to small businesses
and our pro-enterprise policy to help small businesses will
produce more successful, bigger businesses in the future".
For
further information contact Councillor Angus MacDonald on
01324 506139.
|