Private schools, universities and councils await rate relief decision
PRIVATE schools, universities and councils will have to wait to learn their fate in a property tax crackdown.
Derek Mackay announced the government would accept most of the 30 recommendations
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay today announced the government would accept most of the 30 recommendations in a proposed shake-up of the business rates system.
Reforms put forward by Ken Barclay, the former RBS Scotland chairman, include stripping independent schools of the right to use charitable status to claim relief on rates.
Gyms and other publicly owned sports facilities would also be forced to pay for the first time, while golf courses and universities also face having to stump up.
On each of those areas I will continue engagement to fully understand the impact of and any wider implications and possible unintended consequences in these areas before outlining my position in the implementation plan I propose to publish later this year
It estimated that the Scottish Government could recoup more than £50 million a year by closing the loophole but could send bills soaring for families as institutions look to cover the costs.
Mr Mackay told MSPs the charity relief overhaul was one of several areas "merit further thought and engagement".
He said: "On each of those areas I will continue engagement to fully understand the impact of and any wider implications and possible unintended consequences in these areas before outlining my position in the implementation plan I propose to publish later this year."
Mr Mackay insisted Scotland would become the most competitive place in the UK for business to grow
Mr Mackay also said the government would examine bringing the large business supplement, which last year doubled from 1.3p in the pound to 2.6p, in line with the rest of the UK if it was affordable over the course of the Parliament.
But he insisted Scotland would become the most competitive place in the UK for business to grow and invest with new relief measures from April next year.
Under the so-called business growth accelerator scheme, firms will be exempt from rates increases for 12 months after they improve or expand their premises.
Murdo Fraser urged the finance secretary to rule a 'damaging SNP swim tax'
New build properties will also be free from rates until they are occupied for the first time.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said ending rates relief for sports clubs and local authority leisure centres "would undermine Scottish Government policy in encouraging active lifestyles and tackling obesity".
He urged the finance secretary to rule a "damaging SNP swim tax".