As MSPs approved the Scottish government Budget for 2025-26 earlier this week, the Scottish Hospitality Group said that more is needed to support the hospitality sector in Scotland.
Commenting on the stage three vote on the Scottish Government budget, Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, said, “While the limited business rates relief passed in this Scottish Government budget is a step in the right direction, the reality is it is just a drop in the ocean that will do little to support Scotland’s renowned hospitality sector going forwards.
“Coupled with the UK Government’s decision to raise employers’ national insurance contributions, the licensed hospitality sector in Scotland has been left facing a costs crisis, with many businesses at risk of cutbacks and closure.
“The failure to properly support the licensed hospitality sector in this budget means it is now more vital than ever that the Scottish Government makes good on its commitment to scrap the unfair non-domestic rates regime entirely and replace it with a system that will allow the hospitality sector to invest, create jobs and deliver economic growth.
“Now is the time for both the UK and Scottish governments to listen to the facts, and the Scottish Hospitality Group stands ready to assist them as they make the changes needed to give businesses the confidence to grow.”
Once passed by MSPs, the Budget bill will go through the formal process of receiving Royal Assent before it becomes an act of law with the government’s tax and spending plans taking effect from the start of the new financial year in April.