The Charity Retail Association has said business rates being devolved locally could hit charities in the pocket

A body that represents charity shops has called for rate relief for charities to remain.

The Charity Retail Association is calling on MSPs to reject an amendment to the Non-Domestic Rates Bill which would see business rate powers devolved to Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

The association argues the amendment poses a threat to charitable relief and the economic health of the high street.

Concerns around amendment nine have come from CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses, he Scottish Retail Consortium as well as from other industry bodies in charity, retail, tourism and hospitality.

Charity Retail Association chief executive Robin Osterley said: “There is cause to be concerned by the possible impact of amendment nine to threaten the future of charitable rate relief. The loss of protected rates relief would be hugely damaging to the sustainability of the charity retail sector which brings a wealth of social, economic and environmental benefits to communities across Scotland.

“The implications of amendment nine have not been fully assessed leaving uncertainty around nationally set relief schemes and potential bill increases which could exacerbate the existing postcode lottery for charity retailers.

“We call on MSPs to reject amendment nine to prevent charities and their high street partners from being burdened by these damaging economic consequences.”

Introduced by Andy Wightman MSP and voted for by Green, Conservative and Labour MSPs, the Local Government and Communities Committee passed amendment nine to the bill which would bring an end to the Small Business Bonus.

Members of the Scottish Parliament will have the opportunity to review the proposed bill at its stage three scrutiny on Tuesday (4 February).