04/03/2010 - Hotel business rates 'jobs threat'
"Eye-watering" business rate increases are on the way for Scottish hotels which could cost jobs and businesses, the Liberal Democrat leader told First Minister Alex Salmond.
Tavish Scott urged Mr Salmond to ease the situation, adding that Stobo Castle faces a £25,000 increase in bills. Those for Prestonfield House in Edinburgh will go up 70% and the Queen`s Hotel in Lerwick by 65%. And the hotels stayed in by Scottish Cabinet ministers during a "summer tour" last year face rises of up to 120%.
Tourism leaders earlier told Parliament that 2010 will be a tougher year, the Liberal Democrat leader said, and asked why so many Scottish hotels faced a rise in business rates bills way above inflation on April 1.
"When business turnover is being hit in this tough economic time, their business rates bills are going up by 20%, 40%, 80% or even 120%," said Mr Scott.
Mr Salmond insisted that rates were not set by his Government, which has already set out a range of measures to help firms.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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