SRC: Scottish Ministers Deserve Praise for Ditching Grocery Surtax

SRC: Scottish Ministers Deserve Praise for Ditching Grocery Surtax

 

In a preliminary response to the Scottish Government’s Draft 2025-26 Budget, David Lonsdale, Director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said:

“The Scottish Government has seen the light and turned away from the damaging and retrograde idea of introducing a business rate surtax on grocery retailers. This ill-considered measure would have unfairly penalised food and drink shops who already pay very significant amounts in rates and who face a business rate already at a 25-year high. These retailers are being clobbered by the UK Government’s colossal increase in employer national insurance contributions which disproportionately impacts the retail industry, which has seen sales flatline for much of the year.

“Removing this surtax lifts a damaging cloud from the investment horizon and allows grocers to more favourably assess Scotland as a nation with investment potential. Scottish Ministers promised to consult widely and fairly and deserve praise for clearly listening to our representations and ditching this grocery surtax.” 

Welcoming the funding for Police Scotland to tackle crime against retailers, Mr Lonsdale added:

"Retail crime has become a scourge of communities across Scotland and we know that soaring levels of shoplifting is the main factor behind abuse and threats towards shop workers. The vital funding promised by the Finance Secretary is positive and must be used effectively to tackle persistent offenders and organised crime. Retailers are already taking action to make shops safer for customers and colleagues; they'll warmly welcome this further support from the Scottish Government."