TWELVE leading members of the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce met Lord Smith, Head of the Government’s Smith Commission looking into further devolved powers for the Scottish Parliament following the Scottish Independence Referendum, to speak up for the views of businesses based in the region. Topics under discussion during the meeting, which took place in the Tontine Hotel, Peebles, on 15th October, ranged from business rates, agriculture, environment, renewable energy and transport to corporation and income tax levels and tourism. Particular concern was expressed about the current system of business rates.

Jack Clark, SBCC Convenor, said: “The last revaluation took effect in 2010 based on business activity conducted in 2008. Many businesses appealed their rateable values but we have seen a reluctance on the part of the Assessors to progress these appeals. We are concerned at the prospect of a forthcoming review of the rates structure in Scotland when many appeals remain outstanding. This puts Borders businesses at a disadvantage compared with similar businesses south of the border where appeals were settled quickly. It also risks hampering further expansion as companies face the prospect of a further hike in rates. A level playing field is of vital importance to local businesses across the sectors.” Other topics covered in the meeting included levels of Air Passenger Duty, which is not currently devolved to Edinburgh, and the negative effect that is having on one of the Borders’ principal business sectors - tourism from abroad and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Also discussed was the question of the Common Agricultural Policy and the detrimental effects which the 7% reduction in exchange rates as at 30th September will have on the single farm payment made this year to UK farmers. Members of the Chamber also raised the question of the Scottish Government’s existing powers to vary tax rates north of the Border and the appropriate further devolution of tax varying powers to Holyrood.

Jack Clark continued: “That Lord Smith should have chosen the Borders for one of his first stops on his nationwide fact-finding tour speaks volumes for his determination to listen to the views of people and organisations in every corner of Scotland. His task is enormously complex but he clearly wants to hear the voice of business in areas such as ours whose economies are delicately balanced between the sectors and susceptible to fiscal and political change. This can only be good news for the Borders companies. As business leaders, it was immensely worthwhile to be able to brief him direct on the most important matters affecting everyone running a business in the Borders. “I believe sustained economic growth is the principal underlying factor which can support all the other measures people want to see arising from Lord Smith’s conclusions on further devolved powers to the Scottish Parliament. That is why it is particularly significant that Lord Smith came to the Borders to talk to local business people direct. We wish him well in the vital task he has before him.”