1. Policy update Finance Network Meeting 20 September 2017
Rebecca Campbell

2. Investment Tracker

3. Consultations Scottish Government Consultations
Places, People and Planning Position Statement
Air Departure Tax consultation 1: Policy for an overall 50% reduction in Air Departure Tax by the end of the current session of the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament- economy, jobs and fair work committee
Economic Data- Call for written views

4. Business Rates- The Barclay Review
Positive recommendations
More frequent valuations
Review of Small Business Bonus Scheme
Investment allowance
New build relief
Childcare relief
Large business supplement reduction
Concerns
Charitable relief –some businesses may be adversely affected
Empty property extension
Lack of detail on appeals
Does nothing for the North-east out to 2022

5. Business Rates- Transitional Relief
Scottish Government’s transitional relief
Hospitality and office sectors (Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire)– business rates bill increase capped at 12.5% in real terms
Local transitional rates relief ( )
Aberdeen City Council- relief for properties which do not qualify for office and hospitality rates relief. The deadline for applying for the relief is 30 September The relief is restricted to increases of 12.5% in real terms (14.75% after inflation) on new rates bills.
Aberdeenshire council- relief is automatically applied. Relief awarded by Aberdeenshire Council is based on a percentage with a maximum of 50% relief on the increase of rates liability.

6. Rebecca Campbell Policy Executive rebecca.campbell@agcc.co.uk