Changes in Scottish Policy

The Scottish Government is advising operators who took advantage of a ‘relaxation’ in planning and building rules for outdoor areas to apply for consent as the ‘grace period’ ends in September 2021. The measures introduced last summer, extending the period of time a business could install seating or erect temporary structures in outdoor areas, without the need to apply for planning permission, is set to expire in September.

In more positive news, the Scottish Government has also introduced extra rates relief discounts to help owners of certain non-domestic properties, including retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, deal with the impact of coronavirus.

The rates are to include the following:

• 1.6% relief on all non-domestic properties in Scotland
• 100% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
• Small Business Bonus Scheme
• Payment deferral
• Support for water bills

For further details on the scheme, including guidance on how to apply, please follow this helpful link: 'Business rates relief'.