Moray firms facing the steepest business rates rises could have their appeals fast-tracked under plans put forward by the region’s MSP.
Richard Lochhead has spent much of the last week in talks with traders, who fear the upcoming increases could financially cripple their companies.
The business rates hikes will leave some companies paying between 200% and 300% more than they currently do, from April 1.
Concerned traders have been told that any appeals to have the levy altered could take two years to complete under current guidelines.
And many business owners are apprehensive that, by the time the charges have been reconsidered, they may already have gone bust.
However, Mr Lochhead yesterday vowed to press the Grampian Valuation Joint Board to devise a scheme whereby the worst-hit firms would be given priority treatment.
The SNP politician said: “Many local businesses are alarmed by rises in their rates bills, which are over 200% in some cases.
“The final assessments will be issued in mid-March and it is important, providing there is no change by then, that businesses lodge appeals.
“I am not surprised by businesses complaining about being expected to start paying such increases from April onwards, when they don’t know when their appeal will be heard and assessments revised.
“That’s why I have been in touch with the Grampian area assessor asking to absolutely prioritise appeals for those businesses in Moray facing the biggest increases and potential hardship.”
Mr Lochhead was compelled to act after meeting the Lossiemouth Business Association on Thursday, which he said “brought home” to him the seriousness of the situation.
He added: “It’s not so much the fact they are facing increases that struck me, but the scale of these increases in some cases – and the need to understand how these valuations were calculated.
“Our local hotels and pubs, and others most affected, need answers and help.
“Moray’s hospitality sector is vital to the local economy, and our tourism offering.”
The Grampian Valuation Joint Board used an estimate of firms’ “achievable turnover” to calculate the rates they will be paying as of April.