Dave Thompson MSP

New figures have underlined the substantial growth in the number of small businesses in Highland Council who have seen their rates bills abolished or substantially reduced thanks to the SNP Government.

The latest figures published by the Scottish Government show that the number of small businesses in Highland Council receiving the Small Business Bonus has increased from 5,642 in 2008 to 8991 in 2014.

Businesses in Highland Council are benefitting from £11.1 million in support through the Small Business Bonus Scheme in 2014/15, as part of the £58.5 million that has been invested in Highland Council through the scheme since it was introduced in 2008/09.

The Small Business Bonus Scheme has abolished rates bills for companies with a rateable value of up to £10,000 and has substantially reduced it for businesses with a rateable value of up to £18,000.

Commenting, Dave Thompson SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said,

“The SNP Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme has been a critical part of efforts to secure economic recovery in Highland Council”.

“Small Businesses are the lifeblood of Scotland’s economy and by abolishing or substantially reducing the rates bills they pay has helped keep many small companies in business during difficult years”.

“To date £58.5 million has been invested in supporting 8991 companies in Highland Council – a substantial investment that has been of immeasurable benefit to the area”.

“Scotland is the best place in the UK in which to do business and measures like the Small Business Bonus Scheme are a key part in ensuring it remains so.”