Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in North Ayrshire are at risk of being taken out of the Scottish government’s small business bonus because of Derek Mackay’s business rate revaluation, West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene has claimed.
Mr Greene grilled the finance secretary in the Scottish Parliament but was unable to get a clear answer on how many businesses would be affected.
The Conservative list MSP said: ‘Once again the SNP deflect a genuine question on a matter concerning my constituency. SMEs in North Ayrshire have a real concern regarding the small business bonus and the business rates they will be paying but the finance secretary has shrugged them off. It’s essential that businesses across North Ayrshire are given clear information on what funds they will receive and what rates they will be paying for the financial year. If not, they are not able to adequately plan for the long-term and jobs will end up being cut. I wasn’t impressed by the finance secretary’s attitude in the parliament and I will be following this up with him.’