First Minister makes business rates a 100 day priority – our response

May 22, 2026

Speaking to the annual CBI lunch, the First Minister said addressing concerns with business rates was one of his four business priorities in his first 100 days.

In our pre-election manifesto ‘Serving Scotland’, we identified reforming business rates as our priority ask of the new Scottish Government.

Read our solutions to reform business rates

Serving Scotland: a manifesto for growth

Our response

Responding, Leon Thompson, Executive Director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “I’m pleased the First Minister has committed to swiftly address our concerns with business rates in his first 100 days.

“A permanently lower poundage rate for hospitality is the clearest solution to fix the broken business rates system, make it fairer and reduce bills for hospitality businesses.

“This is our priority ask of the Scottish Government and delivering it within its first 100 days would a major signal of its support for hospitality and the business community.

“Properly reforming business rates can deliver countless benefits for Scotland’s economy, businesses and high streets, through unlocking investment, creating jobs and driving regeneration.

“I look forward to working with the First Minister and his Government to help him deliver this priority.”