Local SNP MSP Derek Mackay, has welcomed figures published by the Scottish Government showing record uptake of the Small Business Bonus Scheme. The number of businesses receiving support has risen steadily each year in Renfrewshire from 1,797 in 2008 to 2,258 in 2011.

In early 2009 the Federation of Small Business in Scotland published a survey of SBBS recipients which found that, among other things, 1 in 8 recipients suggested that the rates relief was helping them stay in business during the recession, helping safeguard thousands of jobs.

Mr Mackay commented:

“The Small Business Bonus Scheme has been one of the undoubted successes of the SNP Government and I am delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength. 

“Relief has almost doubled from just over £2million to £4million in the last few years in Renfrewshire and these figures represent the strength and depth of the entrepreneurial spirit in Scotland.  They are a testament to the economic climate where the SNP have safeguarded opportunities for all, in the face of UK government cuts. 

“The Small Business Bonus Scheme is just one way we are delivering to the needs and aspirations of the hard working people running small and medium sized businesses in the Scotland. The Scottish Government has made a huge effort to help small business during difficult times and simply underlines how much more we could do to help business if we had full economic powers and independence.

“The Scottish Government is taking a different direction investing in our economy where we can, supporting our households and young people with free education, the fifth year of a council tax freeze and backing for small business with the small business bonus as we work to continue Scotland's recovery.

“I would encourage those who are not already in receipt of relief to apply. For an application form please contact your local authority and ask to speak to the revenue or non-domestic rates section. Your local authority can also advise about eligibility if you have more than one business property and interaction with other non-domestic rate reliefs.”  
Note:

In April 2009, in the teeth of the recession, the FSB carried out a survey of members receiving the small business bonus. Headline results show that around two thirds (67%) of businesses in receipt of the rates relief are putting the money saved into offsetting increases in other bills, with around one in eight (13.6%) suggesting the saving has helped their business stay afloat.  Almost one in ten (9.5%) has reinvested the saving in their business, for example in extra stock or staff training.

The key results of the survey are: 

Q1. Are you receiving a reduced Business rates bill as a result of the SBB?
Yes 276 (64%)
No 155 (36%) – If no, go to question 4
Not Answered 2
Total 433

Q2. How would you best describe the savings achieved through the SBB?
Substantial 189 (69%)
Modest 73 (27%)
Insignificant 11 (4%)
Not answered 6 N/A
Not asked 154 N/A
Total 433

Q3. What has been the main effect of this saving?
Invest in my business 26 (9.5%)
Maintain or increase employee numbers 14 (5.1%)
Kept the business afloat 37 (13.6%)
Offset increases in other bills 183 (67%)
Other 13 (4.8%) Not answered 6 N/A
Not asked 154 N/A
Total 433

Q4. Why are you not receiving the SBB?
Don’t have premises 54 (12.5%)
Not eligible because rateable value too high 50 (11.5%)
Not eligible for another reason 12 (2.8%)
Business Rates included in my rent 5 (1.2%)
Didn’t know / not applied 25 (5.8%)
Other 14 (3.2%)