Rates Relief and Grants during Coronavirus

To help occupiers of non-domestic properties the Scottish Government has provided clarification on the businesses who will qualify for business rates relief and grants within value thresholds. Vacant property is not included.

This list is not exhaustive. If you think you may be eligible for this relief, contact your local council.

Types of retail, hospitality and leisure businesses who qualify

Please note there has been more clarification from the Scottish Gov on the rates relief and available to clients.

This provides more detail on the properties receiving 100% relief for 12 months.

Retail

These businesses include:

• auction marts
• shops
• opticians
• post offices
• furnishing shops/display rooms
• second hand car lots
• showrooms (including car/caravan showrooms)
• markets
• car washes
• garden centres
• petrol stations
• shoe repairs/key cutting
• hair and beauty services
• travel agents
• ticket offices
• dry cleaners
• launderettes
• domestic appliance repair
• funeral directors
• photo processing
• tool hire
• car hire

Hospitality

These businesses include:

• bed and breakfast accommodation
• camping sites
• caravans and caravan sites
• chalets and holiday huts
• guest houses
• hotels and hostels
• public houses
• restaurants
• bothies

Leisure

These businesses include:

• arts centres
• fishing huts
• sports clubs/centres/grounds
• galleries
• museums
• cinemas
• music venues
• recreation grounds
• studios
• live music venues
• theatres

Grants

Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with a rateable value between £18,000 and up to and including £51,000 will be able to apply for a one-off grant of £25,000.

A one-off grant of £10,000 will also be available to small businesses who get:

Small Business Bonus Scheme relief

Rural Relief

Clients can also get this grant if you applied for Nursery Relief or Disabled Relief but are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme.

Applying for a grant and getting paid

The Scottish Government are working with Scotland’s 32 Councils and other stakeholders to agree a common approach to the application process.

This should help make sure there’s an effective and timely processing of grants as soon as possible.