Tensions between Moray’s elected representatives continue to soar over the government’s business rate increases.
The chairman of Moray Council’s economic development committee, John Cowe, said he was “disgusted” that no SNP councillors attended a recent summit.
Moray’s Chamber of Commerce had arranged for Grampian rates assessor, Ian Milton, to address affected businesses during a gathering in Elgin.
It followed accusations from the council’s Nationalist members that Mr Cowe and his colleagues in the administration had let businesses down by refusing to back a relief scheme they suggested.
Mr Cowe branded the comments “below the belt” and said the SNP group had “twisted” what actually happened during the meeting.
Mr Cowe said his SNP counterparts “couldn’t face local businesses” when none of them appeared at the Chamber of Commerce event.
But Elgin City South councillor, Graham Leadbitter, said he had not been invited to attend.
He added that he would be “more than happy” to discuss rising rates with local traders.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP, Douglas Ross, also questioned the lack of SNP representatives at the gathering.
Mr Ross said: “The SNP will have to answer for their own absence at the meeting.
“Businesses need all politicians to work together to find a solution to these unacceptable increases. That must be a priority for all MSPs.”
Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, said he spent that day speaking to traders affected by the imminent changes.
And he criticised Mr Ross for not backing the motion the local authority’s SNP group put forward as a means of helping hard-hit firms, in his capacity as a Moray councillor.
Nationalist members urged the council to establish a “transitional relief fund” to help suffering traders.
Mr Lochhead said: “I am astounded that the Tories on Moray Council passed up the opportunity to help local businesses.”
Mr Ross said he dismissed the proposals because SNP councillors couldn’t offer details on how it would much it would cost or how it would be funded.
He said: “As plans go, the back of a fag packet comes to mind.”