Fiona Hyslop MSP has welcomed the news that 5,357 small businesses across West Lothian can benefit from as much as £4000 under the enhanced Small Business Bonus Scheme.
Under the new, expanded scheme that comes into affect on the 1st of April 2010:
Businesses with a rateable value of £10,000 or less will have their business rates ABOLISHED.
Businesses with a rateable value between £10,000 and £12,000 will have business rates HALVED.
Businesses with a rateable value between £12,000 and £18,000 will have their business rates REDUCED BY A QUARTER.
Businesses with small chains of properties with a cumulative rateable value under £25,000 will have their business rates REDUCED BY A QUARTER.
Ms Hyslop commented:
“I am delighted that this worthy scheme has been extended to benefit small businesses in West Lothian.
“I believe small businesses sit at the heart of our local economy and this new development will help them further through these difficult financial times.
“There are now 5,357 businesses in West Lothian that may be unaware of the Small Business Bonus Scheme and so I would strongly urge local businesses to contact West Lothian council or the Scottish Assessors Association for information.
“Although we are weathering the storm, the recession is still affecting many families across the region and it is quite clear that the Scottish Government is constantly committed to helping out local high streets by delivering measures that will benefit our communities for years to come.”