UKHospitality Scotland responds to the Budget

Leon Thompson, Executive Director, UKHospitality Scotland, said: “This is an extremely tough budget for our businesses, with employer NIC increases set to significantly impact their finances, alongside higher than expected rises in the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

“To support our businesses, it is imperative that the Scottish Government pass on, at least, the 40% business rate relief announced by the Chancellor for hospitality in England.

“The lack of support in the last two years has left Scottish hospitality businesses in a precarious situation. Our businesses have been forced to trade at a considerable disadvantage to their counterparts in England and Wales. It’s time for the Scottish Government to use the money it will receive from rates relief in England to support Scottish hospitality.

“There is also an opportunity for the Scottish Government to show leadership by delivering on its commitment, made at the last Scottish Budget, to reform business rates for hospitality.

“Reducing the poundage our businesses pay from 2025 is a quick first solution to repairing a taxation system that penalises hospitality and holds back investment and economic growth.

“UKHospitality Scotland will continue to make this case to the Finance Secretary, ahead of the Scottish Budget in December.”