Councillors urged to rethink

A council is being urged to rethink a decision to remove 20% of business rates relief from charity shops.

Councillors in Moray voted in February to withdraw the discretionary rates relief, a move that will hit charities hard.

The Charity Retail Association, which represents 85% of charity shops in Scotland, says the cut will cost the council more in the long-term.

All registered charities are entitled to an 80% discount on their business rates bill and Moray Council has picked up the tab for the remaining 20% but that support ends this month.

Councillors, who are trying to plug a £14 million budget black hole, voted in February to remove the 20%.

However it was revealed the move would save the council just £6,000.

Robin Osterley, chief executive, Charity Retail Association said: “I urge Moray Council to rethink their decision to make cuts to charity shops in order to save just £6,000.

“Withdrawing business rates support from charity shops could jeopardise the viability of the sector and the community could lose out.

“We acknowledge the pressure to make savings but ultimately the council should recognise that making this cut will cost more in the long run.

“Charity shops provide jobs, volunteer opportunities, environmental solutions and high street footfall – I ask the council to protect these benefits and reverse this decision.”

Moray Council has been asked to comment.