Questions Submitted to Parliament on Non-Domestic Rates Revaluation

The following questions have been raised in Parliament in light of the draft Non-Domestic Rates valuations published on 30th November.

Murdo Fraser MSP’s First Minister’s Question:

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): Hospitality and self-catering businesses across the country, which are already suffering from rising costs, are reeling this week from a rates revaluation that sees, in some cases, a threefold increase in the bills that they are likely to face, which they simply cannot afford.

I know, and the First Minister knows, that the assessors are independent of Government, but ministers set the statutory framework—the rules, the assumptions, the timetables and the methodology—under which the assessors operate. Will the First Minister take urgent action to address the issue before yet more hospitality businesses have to close their doors?

The First Minister (John Swinney): I understand the concerns that Mr Fraser raises with me. As he correctly says, the assessors act independently on this question. However, I am concerned by the detail that I am hearing about some of the decisions that have been arrived at, which is why the Minister for Public Finance has already engaged in considering the implications of the issues and what is driving the changes in the methodologies that are producing those results.

I assure Mr Fraser that the issue is already being addressed by the Government. It is an important issue, because it will affect the sustainability of many businesses as a consequence of the proposed changes. The matter is being pursued by ministers at this time.

Recording of FMQs: https://www.scottishparliament.tv/meeting/first-ministers-questions-december-11-2025

Parliamentary Questions: 

Fergus Ewing MSP

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42515
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42516

Liam McArthur MSP

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42507
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42508
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42509

 Rachael Hamilton MSP

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42504
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42505
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42506

Craig Hoy MSP:

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42489
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42490

Tim Eagle MSP:

• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42535
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42536
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42537
• https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-42538