Perthshire Chamber of Commerce chief urges newly-elected councillors to oppose further business taxes and levies

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The head of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce has written to Perth and Kinross candidates ahead of this week’s council elections asking them to oppose the introduction of new taxes or levies on local businesses if elected.

The ‘Restore, Recover and Reform’ pledge urges potential representatives to commit to “pro-business and pro-enterprise policies” as business owners face “rising cost pressures” and “recruitment issues”.This includes speaking out against the Workplace Parking Levy - which allows councils to decide whether to impose an annual tax on car parking spaces that are provided by employers - and low-emission zones Commuter Tax, as well as supporting the “long-overdue” reform of business rates.The pledge also looks to “rebuild the hard-hit” tourism and hospitality sectors by opposing the Transient Visitor Tax - an additional nightly tax fee on tourist accommodation which has been mooted for Edinburgh over the past few years.The call comes as the latest business survey from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce revealed that Scotland’s economy is “faltering” as businesses report record high levels of worry over inflation and rising costs.

Chief executive of Perthshire Chamber Vicki Unite also cited falling customer spending due to the cost-of-living crisis and the pandemic recovery as concerns.

Last month she called for “meaningful” financial assistance from the Scottish and UK Governments after Scotland’s face covering rules were dropped.