Support for Local Businesses in Hard Times

Strathaven based SNP MSP Linda Fabiani, has welcomed the proposals contained in the Scottish Government’s budget bill for 2009-2010, detailing a range of measures  designed to help the country through the current economic difficulties.

The SNP budget proposes to bring forward capital spending of £230 million to boost the Scottish economy and will include a further years freeze on council tax and allow for further reductions in the rateable values of small businesses benefiting almost 13,000 small business in the South Lanarkshire area,

Ms Fabiani said:
“For the second year running we will see a freeze on the council tax at a time when family budgets are getting tighter and a reduction of the rateable values of small businesses to help boost employment prospects.

“Almost 13,000 small businesses in South Lanarkshire will benefit from the reduction in business rates with just under 5,000 businesses ceasing to pay any rates at all, these are important measures to aid employers during a worrying economic downturn and uncertainty for employees.

“These measures are allied to the Scottish Governments infrastructure projects on affordable housing and schools across the country, investment in energy efficiency, more police on our streets and a further cut in prescription charges.