Businesses face existential threat from looming tax rises, Tories warn

The Scottish Conservatives said average non-domestic rateable values have risen about 123%, with some hospitality firms facing increases nearing 400%, and the Scottish Government will set out decisions on rates and reliefs in the Budget on 13 January.

Conservative MSPs at Holyrood have warned that businesses across Scotland face an existential threat from recent increases in non-domestic rateable values. The party said the average rise was 123%, and that some hospitality properties are seeing increases approaching 400%. Murdo Fraser raised the issue during a parliamentary debate and urged the Scottish Government to act. The revaluation that produced the new values is calculated independently of government. Reported details: - The Scottish Conservatives told Holyrood that many firms face steep increases in non-domestic rateable values and described the changes as an existential threat. - The party cited an average increase of 123% in non-domestic values and said some hospitality businesses could see rises nearing 400%. - Murdo Fraser spoke in the debate and called for urgent government intervention. - Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said he was aware of businesses' concerns and said decisions on non-domestic rates and reliefs for 2026-27 will be set out in the Budget on 13 January. Summary: Conservative MSPs say the revaluation could threaten business viability for some firms, particularly in the hospitality sector. The Scottish Government has acknowledged those concerns. It will publish its decisions on non-domestic rates and reliefs in the Budget on 13 January.