"Drink more tap water and less bottled mineral water. The amount of plastic involved is substantial and can take years to biodegrade."
- Idea from Go Make a Difference

Campaigns - Business Rates Success

After much campaigning from the Scottish Conservatives and a number of business groups the Scottish Executive has finally seen the light and decided upon a reduction in business rates.

The recent announcement on business rates is a welcome first step from the Executive in removing the competitive disadvantage our businesses have suffered for over five years now. Business rates in Scotland will be brought into line with business rates South of the border.

It is what Scottish Conservatives have been advocating for years. However, we are very disappointed to learn that businesses will have to wait until 2007 for the full reduction.

Commenting, Gavin Brown said: -

"We need to have these measures in place as soon as possible, no later than the 2006/7 financial year. We have a low level of entrepreneurial activity in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK. We have a particular problem with manufacturing. In 1999, when the current coalition came into office, there were 336,000 manufacturing jobs in Scotland. Today there are 282,000. I am sad to say Scotland is not going forward under this Executive, it is going backwards.

By reducing the rate as soon as possible the Executive would give Scottish firms that step up they so desperately need, given that they have been overcharged almost £840million since Mr McConnell hiked up business rates in 2000.”