Retailers across Scotland have been left disappointed by the Scottish budget, retail body the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has warned.
It said the the measures announced fall short of what’s needed to protect high streets from further decline.
Bira said the budget “missed a crucial opportunity to deliver meaningful business rates reform at a time when many small retailers are already under severe financial pressure.”
The Scottish Government confirmed a reduction in the basic property rate to 48.1p, the intermediate property rate to 53.3p and the higher property rate to 54.8p.
It also announced a 15% relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value of up to £100k, capped at £110k per business per year, for 2026 to 27.
Further new measures included transitional relief to cap increases in non-domestic rates bills following revaluation, the continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme at current thresholds for the next three years, and a new 100% relief for eligible electric vehicle charging points from April 2026.
However, Bira said these measures do not go far enough to address the reality facing independent retailers.
Andrew Goodacre (left), Bira’s chief executive, said: “Whilst we welcome some new support for high street businesses, this budget was a missed opportunity to take bolder action to revitalise Scotland’s high streets.
“Business rates are rising and a 15% discount doesn’t reflect the scale of the challenges facing independent retailers. The Scottish Government could have gone further while still maintaining overall income.
“Independent retailers are dealing with weak consumer confidence, rising labour costs, higher property costs and intense competition from online retailers and low value imports. Many high streets are already on a knife edge.
“Without stronger support, we risk losing the legitimate independent businesses that keep our town centres alive and support local jobs and communities.”
You can now secure your tickets to the Convenience Awards 2026!
Join us on 11 March in Liverpool to celebrate the entire convenience community.
See this year’s finalists and book your seat here.
No comments yet