ECONOMY BULLETIN OCTOBER 2024

Non-Domestic Rates revaluation

A timeline for the next non-domestic rates revaluation has been published.

Rateable values for non-domestic properties are reviewed every 3 years to reflect changes in the property market. At revaluation 2026 all non-domestic properties will get a new rateable value which will apply from 1 April 2026.

The timeline has been developed to provide non-domestic property owners and occupiers with an outline of key dates leading up to the revaluation.

In addition, Assessors will issue Assessor Information Notices to operators of licensed premises and hotels shortly, in preparation for the revaluation.

The 2026 revaluation will be based on value levels around 1 April 2025. It is crucial that Assessors receive relevant information now to ensure appropriate consideration and analysis can be carried out and to allow time for engagement with the hospitality industry in advance of setting values for the next revaluation.

Failure to comply with an Assessor Information Notice can result in a civil penalty being issued. To avoid a civil penalty, information should be returned to Assessors within 28 days.

Extreme weather checklist for businesses

Support and advice to help businesses prepare for extreme weather has been published by Adaptation Scotland.

This includes a checklist tool which provides businesses with simple actions they can take to protect against extreme weather and build business resilience to the increasing impacts of climate change.

Minimum Unit Pricing

Minimum unit pricing for alcohol has risen to 65 pence per unit.

The change in the minimum unit price – which came into place on 30 September 2024 - is intended to increase the public health effects of the policy, and to take account of inflation. 

Scottish Government officials engaged with the Regulatory Review Group (RRG) on recommendations relating to implementation and engagement has been undertaken with key business associations and retailer groups to raise awareness of the new level of the minimum unit price of alcohol prior to the new level being introduced.

Guidance for retailers was developed in partnership with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) on the upcoming change to the price.

A range of resources including retailer guidance, a minimum unit price calculator and further information are available here.

New employability plan published

A new employability plan that will help support employers across Scotland with the recruitment and retention of workers has been published.

No One Left Behind Strategic Plan 2024-27 sets out how the Scottish Government, local government, delivery partners and employers will work together to help secure better outcomes for people and communities across Scotland.

There has been engagement with employers at a local level and we will continue to engage to raise awareness of how employers can benefit from the support on offer to individuals and to ensure that future policy work reflects their views.

Businesses looking for more information can contact Local Authority Employability Leads.

Investing in planning - next steps

A paper setting out the next steps to improve the resourcing, capacity and skills in the planning system has been published.

The Investing in Planning next steps paper includes measures to introduce the National Planning Hub, increases to planning fees, streamlining of processes and supporting professional skills and capacity, helping planning authorities to provide an efficient, effective and well-resourced planning system.

Report published on inclusive business models

An independent review on how to increase the number of social enterprises and employee-owned businesses has published its report and recommendations.

The report is available here.

Please contact the independent chair Neil McInroy neil@edas.org.uk or Scottish Government secretariat louise.tannasee@gov.scot or tracy.jackson@gov.scot for more information.

Scottish 4G Infill Programme (S4GI)

The benefits of the Scottish Government’s 4G Infill Programme (S4GI) for rural and island communities have been highlighted in a new study.

These include wider online customer bases for businesses and better connectivity for communities during broadband outages.