Loading...
22 Oct 2012
A group of Scottish business leaders will meet in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow to discuss the impact of the proposed empty properties tax increase.
The Scottish Conservatives are hosting the summit, which will involve more than a dozen representatives from industry across the country.
The meeting comes ahead of the next stage of the Scottish Government’s plans to reduce the tax relief on empty commercial properties from 50 per cent to only 10 per cent, due to take place next week.
Businesses are known to be furious at the plan, and tomorrow’s meeting will allow amendments to be discussed in a bid to stop the policy being introduced.
Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Gavin Brown MSP said:
“We strongly oppose this plan, which will hit businesses hard as they battle tough economic conditions.
“Contrary to what the SNP thinks, this will not bring empty properties back onto the market.
“In-fact, it will harm speculative development and increase the chances of buildings simply being demolished.
“Tomorrow’s meeting is aimed at sharing ideas with those who know best and hearing what they have to say.
“The Scottish Government has had no formal consultation on this and no impact assessment, which makes it a damaging instrument.
“It should be attempting to help businesses across the country, not hammering them with new taxes.”
