Tackling Scotland's Business Rates Crisis

Air Date: March 3rd, 2026 Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter Scotland’s business community is sounding the alarm—and this episode puts the crisis front and centre. Lord Haughey and Sir Tom are joined by some of the country’s most influential business leaders to confront what many are calling a broken, unfair and unaccountable business rates system. From eye‑watering 400–500% rate hikes, to stories of bank accounts frozen, investments punished, and jobs put at risk, this is a raw, no‑nonsense conversation about how Scotland’s current approach to non‑domestic rates is choking growth, killing confidence, and threatening the future of high streets and hospitality. The panel pulls no punches, laying out shocking real‑world examples, exposing a democratic deficit in the assessor system, and offering clear, practical solutions—including freezes, reform, and radical alternatives. If you care about jobs, investment, or the future of Scottish business, this is an episode you can’t ignore. Episode Highlights

Eye‑watering rate hikes exposed – real examples of 400–500% increases in business rates, threatening otherwise successful businesses. Investment punished, not rewarded – owners who invested millions in properties hit with massive uplifts immediately after refurbishment. Jobs on the line – hundreds of roles at risk as hospitality, retail, and leisure operators warn closures are inevitable if nothing changes. Bank accounts frozen – shocking account of a council attempting to withdraw £134,000 directly from a business bank account. A system with no accountability – assessors described as answerable only to the judiciary, not government or elected officials. 14 assessors, 14 different rules – glaring inconsistencies across Scotland with identical properties treated vastly differently. The ‘800 bills’ bombshell – one business told it could face 800 separate rates bills for four sites under current interpretations. Northern Ireland comparison – why Scotland hasn’t followed NI’s decision to freeze rates while reform is reviewed. Hospitality hit hardest – licensed venues paying disproportionate rates compared to neighbouring businesses on the same streets. Panel solutions laid out – proposals include a Chief Assessor, capped increases, immediate freezes, and even replacing rates with a tax on profits. Political responses tested live – party positions revealed, challenged, and compared against real-world business impact. A warning shot – business leaders describe this as an “extinction-level event” for Scottish enterprise if action isn’t taken now.

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