Hume - FEARS FOR RATES INCREASES FOR EAST LOTHIAN HOTELS
March 15, 2010 5:18 PM
Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has sent out surveys to hotel businesses in East Lothian after research conducted by the Liberal Democrats revealed that business rates for many Scottish hotels are set to rise by tens of thousands of pounds on 1st April this year.
The Liberal Democrat MSP has contacted local businesses to find out what impact the increased rates will have on their business and what can be done to support them.
Mr Hume said: "I want to find out what can be done to help businesses in East Lothian, who are facing massive increases in their rates bills this year.
"Many businesses are already struggling as a result of the economic downturn. Now the Scottish Government has chosen to hit hotels with the full increase in just one year.
"I am very worried that without a transition scheme like that introduced in England, which brings the changes in slowly, Scottish businesses will be put at a competitive disadvantage.
"I am consulting local businesses to find out what help they need so they don't suffer under the full force of these rate rises.
"My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will work as hard as we can with the businesses affected to see if we can persuade the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to agree to a transition period.
Hotels across East Lothian are the lifeblood of the community, bringing jobs and tourism to the area. I will listen to their concerns and do all I can to help them during this difficult time."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats