Scottish Government supporting over 4,000+ businesses

New figures show that the Scottish Government’s business rate relief scheme saved businesses in South Lanarkshire over £210 million between 2009-10 and 2016-17.

Across Scotland, this scheme has saved taxpayers around £4.5 billion between 2009-10 and 2015-16 by reducing their rates liability and taking many firms out of business rates altogether.

And across South Lanarkshire, the latest figures show that over 4,287 local firms benefitted from this flagship Scottish Government policy in 2016. This figure does not, however, include premises that qualified for the new 100% reliefs introduced, including Day Nursery Relief and the Business Growth Accelerator.

Commenting, local SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:

“The SNP is delivering the most competitive business rates relief package in the whole of the UK, saving businesses in throughout my constituency over £210 million over the last seven years. The Scottish Government will also spend an estimated record £720 million on rates relief across Scotland in this year alone.

“Since coming to office, the SNP Scottish Government has taken strong action to support business growth and jobs in throughout Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, helping to keep money in our neighbourhoods and boost our high streets.

In addition to the Hamilton Town Centre Action plan, which has already reaped the reward of brings more jobs and businesses into Hamilton town centre, business is booming throughout South Lanarkshire.

“Only the SNP are taking the necessary action to help our local firms – and it is great to see over 4000 firms benefitting from rates relief in 2016, a figure that will likely rise with the new measures introduced in this year’s budget.”