Over 1600 businesses across the South and East Ayrshire are still waiting to learn the outcome of their business rates appeals, almost two years after the new valuations were issued.
New Scottish Government figures published today show that as of 31st December 2018, of the 2629 who appealed their revaluation across the two council areas, 1644 are still waiting for a decision from the assessor.
That means that only 37.5% of businesses who appealed have been informed of the assessor’s decision, leaving a total of £117 million in outstanding rateable value.
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle said that the figures once again demonstrate that the business rate appeals process is broken and in need of serious reform.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
‘’It is simply unacceptable that over 1600 businesses in across South & East Ayrshire are still stuck in no man’s land waiting for a decision, almost two years after receiving a new valuation.
‘’I know from talking to constituents who own these businesses that rate valuations can be the difference between staying in business and going bust. It is as simple as that.
‘’To leave the livelihoods of hundreds of families uncertain for almost two years demonstrates a total failure of the system, and a total failure of the authorities to support business.
‘’Time and time again, concerns about the appeals process have been raised at Holyrood, and we are told that progress is being made.
‘’These statistics suggest progress in Ayrshire is dead slow and stop. It’s not good enough and I will keep pressing the authorities to speed up the system and give businesses in the area confidence in the valuation and appeals process.’’
