Hiba Mahamadi 21 June 2017

Rise in business rates will threaten nurseries, warns committee

A Scottish parliamentary committee will write to local authorities and the Scottish Government about pressure childcare organisations are facing over increased business rates.

The petition to scrap business rates for childcarers was submitted to the public petitions committee by the chair of a childcare charity, the National Day Nurseries Association.

Stephanie Dodd said the rise in business rates could force some nurseries to shut down and would also increase financial pressure on parents.

Ms Dodd told the committee that one nursery in Renfrewshire was facing a 215% increase in business rates. In Edinburgh, the highest increase is 147% and Dundee and Aberdeen are looking at an increase of approximately 50%.

She added: ‘A key issue for nurseries, like all small businesses, is balancing our books so we can deliver high-quality childcare, whilst remaining sustainable and keeping fees affordable for parents.

‘Many private nurseries are facing financial crises as a result of rising business rates coupled with chronic underfunding.’

The chair of the committee, Johann Lamont MSP, agreed that childcare was important and is an issue the committee will look into further.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner