Over 1,120 businesses across the Borders are still waiting to learn the outcome of their business rates appeals, almost two years after the new valuations were issued.
New Scottish Government figures published today show that as of 31st December 2018, of the 2,002 who appealed their revaluation across the area, 1,129 are still waiting for a decision from the assessor.
That means that only 44% of businesses who appealed have been informed of the assessors decision, leaving a total of £56 million in outstanding rateable value.
Rachael Hamilton MSP has said that these figures once again demonstrate that the business rate appeals process is broken and in need of serious reform.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
‘’It is simply unacceptable that over 1,120 businesses in the Borders are still stuck in no man’s land waiting for a decision, almost two years after receiving a new valuation.
‘’I know from talking to constituents that rate valuations can be the difference between staying in business and going bust. It is as simple as that.
‘’To leave the livelihoods of hundreds of families uncertain for almost two years demonstrates a total failure of the system, and a total failure of the authorities to support business.
‘’Repeatedly I have raised concerns about the appeals process at Holyrood, only to be told that progress is being made.
‘’These statistics show very little progress has been made and I will press the authorities to speed up the system and give businesses in the region I represent the certainty they need to continue to trade.’’