Fresh questions have been raised over the progress of the Scottish Government’s review of business rates for licensed hospitality businesses following claims the process has stalled.
The Scottish Conservatives say the review has been left without a chair after BJ Gill KC stepped down following his appointment as Scotland’s Solicitor General.
The party also claims a Freedom of Information request shows the review group has met only four times, most recently before May’s Scottish Parliament election, and that no further meetings are currently scheduled.
The review was established to examine how licensed hospitality premises are valued for non domestic rates following concerns from businesses over significant increases in business rates bills.
According to the Scottish Conservatives, the original timetable anticipated report writing during the summer before recommendations were submitted to Scottish ministers in August.
Scottish Conservative business spokesperson Rachael Hamilton said:
“The SNP’s business rates review is in complete chaos.
“Ministers told businesses to wait for the Gill review, but clearly had no Plan B if its chair departed for a new opportunity.
“Weeks have now passed since BJ Gill was made Scotland’s new Solicitor General, but still nobody has been put in place to replace him.
“Scottish Conservative research also reveals the review group hasn’t met in two months and has no plans to do so.
“A report was meant to be submitted to ministers next month, but this is surely now not going to happen given the review has no leader.
“This shambolic situation sums up the SNP’s utter contempt for Scotland’s businesses and is exactly why they have lost faith in the system.
“The SNP keep promising changes, but all they are delivering is more delays, confusion and eye watering rates rises.
“Scottish businesses need urgent support now, instead of ministers hiding behind endless reviews that they cannot even keep on track.”
The Scottish Government announced the independent review after concerns were raised by the licensed hospitality sector about the current valuation system and its impact on businesses.
It has not yet confirmed who will succeed Mr Gill as chair of the review.
