MINISTERS must ensure the overhaul of the business rates system “helps, rather than hinders” firms in Fife to grow and create jobs.

That’s the view of Fife Council’s deputy leader Lesley Laird, who said businesses must have their say on the Scottish Government proposals.

Major changes to business rates, reliefs and supplements have been announced as part of a planned review.

The council is gathering the opinions of companies. Cllr Laird said: “The business rates system is overdue for review and we want to ensure that the review helps, rather than hinders, economic growth within the Kingdom.

“The online survey we are running is giving Fife businesses the chance to engage with the review and have their say.

“This is an opportunity that I hope Fife businesses will take to have an input into how business rates can better support growth and respond to wider economic conditions.”

Business rates (also called non-domestic rates) are a tax on the business property to help pay for local council services. They are based on the property and generally do not reflect the turnover or profits of the business, and have long been cited as the reason for so many empty properties in Dunfermline town centre.

Cllr Laird said: “I want Fife Council to do everything that we can to help ensure that the reformed system is modern, sustainable and competitive, which is why it’s so important for businesses to play their part by visiting www.fifedirect.org.uk/businessratesconsultation.

“We will then share the response as part of Fife Council’s submission to the Scottish Government’s business rates review, as well as use the information internally.”

She said it was important for firms to think about the impact of the changes.

Among the proposals are a reduction in non-domestic rates, empty property relief and an increase in the large firms supplement from 1.3p to 2.6p in the pound.

Cllr Laird said: “These are some of the questions that Fife Council is asking to raise awareness of the changes, and more fully appreciate the impact of the rates review on industry.”

The council is working with the Fife Economy Partnership, the Federation of Small Businesses and Fife Chamber of Commerce.