introduced in England by the UK Government.
BBC Scotland today, with a story to suggest something is worse in Scotland than in England. There’s a debate in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow on business rates which they’ve managed to find someone to stand in a shopping street and try to present as a crisis that only exists in Scotland.
The facts?
Based on an AI search of 87 sources, Scotland’s system is often seen as more coordinated and interventionist.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Scotland | England | Better for SMEs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rates Relief (Core Small Biz) | Very generous (combined RV up to £35k+, 100% bands) | Limited (single property focus, up to £15k RV) | Scotland |
| Sector Relief (e.g., Hospitality) | 40-100% targeted (2025-26) | 40% temporary (2025-26), permanent lower from 2026 | Comparable (England long-term edge for RHL) |
| Direct Grants | Extensive (R&D, capital, sectoral via agencies) | More limited/competitive (Innovate UK focus) | Scotland |
| Loans/Finance | Devolved extras + UK schemes | Primarily UK schemes | Slight Scotland edge |
| Advice/Support | Centralised agencies | Regional Growth Hubs | Scotland (more unified) |
Overall: SMEs are generally better supported in Scotland, particularly non-hospitality/retail ones, due to lower rates burdens via SBBS and more direct grant funding. This reflects devolved priorities and higher per capita spending.
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 
It’s a wonder anyone wants to stay in Scotland, live in Scotland or come to Scotland from England given that it’s so disastrous, business, health, education, roads, everything is bad.
How’s the water doing is it drinkable, how are the trains, still running? How’s the new Forth road bridge doing, still standing, borders railway, that ok?
Oh and as for the useless overpriced, way over budget (remember the enquiry which took months!) BritNat parties vanity project, that is the Edinburgh trams, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve used it.
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As usual, TABIS!
John Lawson
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