SWINNEY MUST CALL TIME ON 'CRIPPLING' SNP TAX HIKES

THOUSANDS of pubs, restaurants, shops and other businesses are at risk of closure next year thanks to a “crippling” SNP tax hike.

- BY BEN BORLAND

Today the Scottish Express is backing a new Tory campaign calling on the Scottish Government to halt the introduction of new non-domestic rates valuations that was launched yesterday.

The changes will have a disproportionate effect on the hospitality sector, which is already reeling from the hike in employers’ national insurance and the failure to pass on money from the Treasury for rates relief.

Some businesses have been told that their rateable value will double or even triple overnight, leading to huge tax rises from April 1 next year.

One Scottish company has even been told they may have to pay up to £185,000 more a year in business rates due to their revaluation.

The Scottish Conservatives are now calling on the SNP administration to pause the revaluation and go back to the drawing board.

Launching the campaign in an Edinburgh pub yesterday, party leader Russell Findlay said: "I have been inundated with messages from hardworking business owners who are already struggling to keep their heads above water.

"They're now being told they face eye-watering increases to their rates bills of 100%, 200%, 300% and even more.

"This will kill many pubs, restaurants and hotels. Countless Scottish businesses and jobs are on the line due to the SNP government's extreme and inexplicable rates renewals process."