Scotland's towns and cities will become ghost towns if SNP punish businesses at BudgetHospitality bosses have joined together to make a final plea to the Scottish Government to extend business rates relief or risk mass closures of pubs, bars and clubs. The consequences for the hospitality sector will be "severe" unless business rates relief is extended. ‌Industry bodies have warned that “jobs, investment, and the vibrancy of Scotland’s towns and cities” are all under threat. ‌SNP Ministers have never handed over the full amount of cash it gets from Westminster when it offers more generous business rates relief. Business rates are a tax paid by firms on the buildings they use, such as shops, pubs and restaurants, and are the commercial equivalent of council tax.

Source: Express January 11, 2026 12:49 UTC