Thank you for your recent letter expressing your concern at the huge increases in water charges. I cannot disagree with the sentiments you express.
Roseanna Cunningham MSP.
Business rates concern
The increases in both business and water rates are leaving many local businesses reeling.
In response to concerns the Business Association held an open meeting addressed by a commercial rates advisor, Bob Mowat of D.M. Hall.
Mr. Mowat gave an explanation of how rateable values are assessed and advice on lodging appeals. Business may wish to join together to make appeals ‘en block', and a note on the key points of Mr. Mowat's presentation are available from the Business Association's Secretary (contact on the back page of Business Issues).
Increase in business rates is compounded by increase in water charges and the Business Association has written to local MSP, Roseanna Cunningham to express its concerns over the possible impact on the local business sector.
Miss Cunningham has since written to the North of Scotland Water Authority (NOSWA) on the Business Association's behalf and, as a result, an offer has been made that a representative of NOSWA come and talk to local businesses about the new charging system.
On behalf of its members, the Business Association is taking up this offer and announcement will be made shortly on date and venue.