SMITH CONSULTS LOCAL HOTELS ON RATE HIKE

12.00.00am GMT Tue 16th Mar 2010

Local MSP and Convener of the Scottish Parliament's influential Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Iain Smith is surveying hotels in North East Fife after research conducted by the Liberal Democrats revealed that business rates for many Scottish hotels are set to rise by tens of thousands of pounds on April 1 this year.

The Liberal Democrat MSP has contacted local hotels to find out what impact the increased rates will have on their business and what can be done to support them.

Iain Smith said:

"I want to find out what can be done to help hotels in North East Fife who are facing massive increases in their rates bills this year. Some will see their bills go up by as much as 120%.

"Many hotels are already struggling as a result of the economic downturn. Now the Scottish Government has chosen to hit hotels with the full increase in just one year.

"I am very worried that without a transition scheme like that introduced in England, which brings the changes in slowly, Scottish hotels will be put at a competitive disadvantage.

"I am consulting local hotels to find out what help they need so they don't suffer under the full force of these rate rises.

"My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I will work as hard as we can with the businesses affected to see if we can persuade the Scottish Government, even at this late stage, to agree to a transition period.

"Hotels in North East Fife have an incredibly important role in the community, bringing jobs and tourism to the area. I will listen to their concerns and do all I can to help them during this difficult time."