An Aberdeenshire town’s hoteliers and other business owners met yesterday to launch a concerted appeal against the controversial rise in business rates across the north-east.
The packed event at Stonehaven’s Belvedere Hotel was organised by owners Sheila and Michael Howarth – with 30 other businesses all showing support.
Rydens business rates specialist, Lorna Greig, acknowledged the “emotive” nature of the issue and addressed the group explaining how the appeal process would work.
She confirmed that rates valuations differed for the hotel and licensed properties – because their rates are calculated on a turnover basis, rather than on rentable values.
Mrs Greig said: “All the valuations are based on historical evidence.
“We have asked the assessors look at accounts from either 2015-16 or even 2016-17 – they would show a more current and accurate picture.”
There was an audible gasp from the assembled crowd when they learned that, due to being classed as a small business, Kwik Fit pay no rates at all – and get 100% relief.
Mrs Howarth made the point and added: “Of the 355 listed businesses in Stonehaven on the assessors list, only 101 are eligible to pay rates.
“It is not fair that so few are paying so much.”
One guest house owner, Jane Davidson, questioned the marked inconsistencies in the increases being faced by businesses in the town.
She added: “It looks like someone’s been on the bottle, going by these figures! My rates have gone up 250% – I am being penalised for investing and refurbishing my property. I just cannot sustain that kind of increase.
“It will break my mother’s heart if I have to close down the guest house. It was my great-grandfathers house – we really wanted to keep it in the family.”
Aberdeenshire council co-leader Alison Evison was not at the meeting, but said: “The new business rates are damaging to the Stonehaven hoteliers and many other businesses across Aberdeenshire.
“They do not take into account changes to the oil and gas industry, the effects of which have been felt across the area.
“I am really concerned that some businesses will have to make people redundant or even close completely, if these rates are not adjusted either through transitional relief, a re-valuation or through particular reductions.”
Mrs Howarth closed the meeting with the message: “I think they should freeze the rates during our appeal process – we need to bombard them with appeals.”