The impact of Scotland’s Budget on retailers is a “recipe for self-inflicted economic harm”, industry leaders have warned ministers.
In a seven-page submission, the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has published a detailed response to what it described as a “muddled” Budget for 2024-25.
David Lonsdale, director of the SRC, said the announcements were particularly disappointing given the “low ebb” of retail sales in recent years.
The consortium previously criticised Scottish Government ministers for failing to plug the estimated £1 billion deficit through cuts to Government costs amid expanding civil service numbers.
Instead, the SRC has argued the buck is being passed to retailers as the freeze to the basic property rate falls to medium and larger commercial properties.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison announced the poundage on the basic property rate would be frozen for small businesses with a value up to £51,000.