The Scottish Government today ruled out one avenue of support for North East businesses who face crippling increases in their rates bill.

In questions put to the Scottish Government, North East Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles asked the finance secretary to outline his position on delaying the proposed increases in business rates. In a single sentence response, he was advised that the SNP Government has no such plans.

Mr Rumbles said: “It is clear from Mr Mackay’s blunt response that the government is purely paying lip service to legitimate concerns and has no plans to work out any agreement with North East businesses to phase in or delay increases to business rates. This is despite the cabinet secretary’s recent and much publicised discussions with business and local authority leaders.