THE Tories have demanded the SNP give pubs and restaurants a 100% tax break in the upcoming Budget.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said the policy was a “bold move” to help the struggling hospitality sector.
The SNP are running a minority administration in Holyrood and will need to rely on the support of other parties to get their Budget over the line.
Findlay said pubs and restaurants had been hammered by “high taxes and anti-growth policies” under the SNP.
He called for the hospitality sector to be given 100% rates relief as a way of boosting profits.
Findlay added: “Our 100% rates relief for pubs and restaurants is a bold move to help a sector struggling more than ever after Labour’s tax-grabbing budget.
“The Scottish Conservatives want to start to undo the damage inflicted by Labour and the SNP with our plans to reduce income tax, business rates and [Land and Buildings Transaction Tax].
“Unlike the left-wing parties in the Scottish Parliament, our common sense approach would put money back in the pockets of workers, businesses and would-be homeowners.”
Businesses have accused Labour of hitting already tight margins with their hike on employers’ National Insurance contributions.
It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves (above) tells business leaders there is “no alternative” to tax rises.
Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry’s annual conference in London on Monday, the organisation’s chief executive Rain Newton-Smith is expected to say: “What really defines growth is the decisions made in boardrooms up and down the country.
“It’s CFOs and CEOs asking: can we afford to invest? Can we afford to expand? Can we afford to take a chance on new people?
“Well after the Budget, the answer we’re hearing from so many firms is still ‘not yet’.”
She will add: “Tax rises like this must never again be simply done to business.
“That’s the road to unintended consequences. From now on we need an elevated partnership for a higher purpose.
“Too many businesses are having to compromise on their plans for growth. We can’t let that stand and not act.”
