Scottish Lib Dems urge business rates to be put in hands of local councils

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have taken aim at the Scottish Government’s “grip” on local authorities as they called for councils to be given the ability to cut business rates.

Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton highlighted the plight of small businesses by calling on local authorities to have more control over business and economic development in their areas.

He used a visit to Sprinkles Ice Cream in Edinburgh on Friday to set out plans to support the restoration of local control over council tax and business rates as part of a comprehensive plan to increase the proportion of funding determined and distributed locally.

Putting business rates into the hands of local authorities would boost local firms, the Edinburgh Western MSP said on the campaign trail ahead of the May 5 council elections.

He also emphasised the need to grant councils full power of competence by encouraging innovation and easing the grip of Scottish ministers.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said it was “absolutely bonkers” that a Scottish Government minister can have control over business issues with local communities.

He said: “Local businesses have taken a battering during the pandemic. They need help to get back on their feet and compete with online retailers.

“That’s why we should be giving the councils flexibility to decide what is right for them.

“It is absolutely bonkers to assume that the person best-placed to make decisions on everything from enterprise policy to business rates in Gretna, Greenock or Golspie is an SNP minister in Edinburgh.

“Cutting bills for small businesses on the high streets of our towns and villages can help to revitalise areas and sectors which have fallen behind.”

The Scottish Liberal Democrats, he said, would also work through the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (Cosla) to develop a new vision for councils with a suite of new powers which can be used to make a “real difference” to people’s lives – particularly in economic strategy, transport, town planning and funding for affordable housing.

Elected Liberal Democrats candidates, he added, will offer “new hope” for local business while putting “local people back in charge”.