Margaret McCulloch

Answer · John Swinney · 7 Mar 2016

At this early stage data is not yet available on any schemes put in place by local authorities in respect of their power to reduce business rates which took effect on 31 October 2015 under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. I look forward to innovative use of this substantial power, with councils using their local knowledge, for example, to attract new investment into town centres and help create vibrant communities where people want to live, socialise and do business.

Answer · John Swinney · 7 Mar 2016

The increase to the large business supplement will apply to only around 13 per cent of rateable properties. Taken together with the non-domestic rates poundage for 2016-17 this will mean a 3.4 per cent total annual increase to rates bills for those properties liable to pay the supplement, which is in line with recent overall annual increases to bills. This is fully compatible with our support for the business improvement district model, which enables local businesses to take the lead and vote on whether to pay a levy to deliver projects they have agreed with local partners which will help regenerate the local area.

Answer · Alex Neil · 2 Mar 2016

The Scottish Government will work with its stakeholders to agree how to mark the day as we have done in previous years. The Scottish Older People's Assembly (SOPA) celebrated International Older People's Day on 5 October 2015, during older people's week, by holding its annual assembly in the Scottish Parliament with politicians and around 150 older people. Age Scotland's member groups are currently planning their activities for the day and it is expected that the community grants fund of £80,000 awarded to Age Scotland will support many local events.

Answer · John Swinney · 15 Jan 2016

The review of business rates will aim to ensure Scotland’s system minimises the barrier to investment, is responsive to economic conditions and supports long-term economic growth and investment.
Further details, including timescales, for the review will be confirmed in due course.

Answer · Alex Neil · 20 Jan 2016

We will publish the second update on the Town Centre Action Plan in the spring of 2016.

Answer · Derek Mackay · 14 Jan 2016

Electrification of the East Kilbride line is one of a number of options being considered as part of the rolling programme of electrification from 2019 onwards. Development work for this, and the potential delivery of a second platform at East Kilbride station, is being taken forward by Network Rail, with the associated cost estimates and supporting business cases expected to be submitted to ministers later in 2016. Future delivery of these projects will be dependent on these business cases, subject to consideration against other rail priorities, and sufficient resources being available.