Businesses across every sector and region are facing rate bills several times higher than their current liabilities, following the latest revaluation.

SCC is sounding the alarm amid an outcry from its membership, who are clear that the scale and speed of these increases leave businesses no time to plan, and no capacity to absorb additional costs. Members across the country have shared the real-world impact the projected rates would have on their operations.

From a rural hospitality firm in the Highlands: “Our rates were £6,000 in 2020, rising to between £8,500 and £11,000 after the 2023 revaluation removed our Small Business Bonus. Under the 2026 proposals, we are now facing a £30,000 bill – nearly three times our 2023 rates, without anything like the corresponding growth in turnover or profit. That kind of increase simply isn’t sustainable.”

From a leisure activity provider in Edinburgh: “Our rates increased from an initial figure of £51,000 to £178,250 following a revaluation in July 2023 – a rise of 250%. We pay £60,000 a year in rent, so this valuation is completely out of step with the rental market. The increase pushes this site into loss-making territory and raises serious questions about the long-term future of the venue and the 35 people employed there.”

From a recreational facility in Falkirk: “Our rateable value has sat between £198,000 and £211,000 for many years. Under the draft 2026/27 figures, it is set to jump by 75% to £350,000 – an increase of £150,000. While we are appealing the valuation, the process could take up to two years. In the meantime, the pressure on our cashflow puts 50 jobs at this site at real risk.”

These examples reflect what SCC is hearing from businesses of all sizes across Scotland.

Dr Liz Cameron CBE, director and chief executive of SCC, said: “In the current business environment sudden increases of this scale – in some cases approaching 300% – are simply unaffordable. Many of our members are already struggling with tight margins, and dramatic jumps in rateable values will push otherwise viable businesses dangerously close to the brink.

“This isn’t sector-specific. It affects every business, in every sector, in every corner of Scotland. The message from our members is stark: there will be job losses if these increases go ahead unchecked.

“We are already seeing investment decisions delayed, cashflow squeezed and employers forced to reconsider their staffing levels. At a time when businesses need stability and support from government, this approach risks becoming a zero-sum exercise that damages confidence and stalls economic growth. Without urgent action in next week’s budget, viable businesses will close and jobs will be lost.”