The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales' example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13 January.
Bira was one of twelve retail bodies to write jointly to Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP this week, urging her to introduce a permanent business rates discount for all retailers following similar moves in England and Wales.
However, Bira has warned that Scotland must go further than England's approach and deliver actual reductions in rates bills, not just caps on increases.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Scotland has got to reduce business rates for independent retail in the same way we have seen in Wales - genuine decreases in rates bills, not just limits on how much they can rise.
"High streets are struggling, and if we carry on increasing the burden on smaller retailers, the only businesses left will be the illicit shops selling illegal vapes and counterfeit goods. We need a thriving legitimate retail sector, and that means making it financially viable for honest independent retailers to trade."
Mr Goodacre added: "The Welsh Government has shown what meaningful support looks like. Scotland cannot afford to lag behind if it wants to protect jobs, support local economies, and keep high streets alive."
Bira was one of twelve retail bodies to write jointly to Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP this week, urging her to introduce a permanent business rates discount for all retailers following similar moves in England and Wales.
However, Bira has warned that Scotland must go further than England's approach and deliver actual reductions in rates bills, not just caps on increases.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Scotland has got to reduce business rates for independent retail in the same way we have seen in Wales - genuine decreases in rates bills, not just limits on how much they can rise.
"High streets are struggling, and if we carry on increasing the burden on smaller retailers, the only businesses left will be the illicit shops selling illegal vapes and counterfeit goods. We need a thriving legitimate retail sector, and that means making it financially viable for honest independent retailers to trade."
Mr Goodacre added: "The Welsh Government has shown what meaningful support looks like. Scotland cannot afford to lag behind if it wants to protect jobs, support local economies, and keep high streets alive."
