BUSINESSES in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area benefitted from the Scottish Government's Small Business Grants Scheme which has the effect of easing rates liability.

Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing welcomed the publication of figures showing that the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme provided £14.921million of support for businesses across Fife in 2017/18 – a 24.5% increase on the previous year.

The Small Business Bonus Scheme, delivered by the SNP in 2008/09, supports local firms by reducing their rates liability or taking firms out of business rates altogether.

Commenting, Ms Ewing said: “These figures prove the success of the Small Business Bonus Scheme for firms in my Cowdenbeath constituency and show the Scottish Government’s commitment to local jobs and communities.

“Over the last year, businesses across Fife have benefitted from almost fifteen million pounds in rates support. That is an increase of nearly a quarter on the year before, showing that the Small Business Bonus introduced by the Scottish Government is continuing to provide stability for local jobs and communities and helping firms to grow and thrive".

The MSP added: “While Labour and the Tories have no credible plans between them, the SNP is getting on with the job – creating a better business environment in Fife and across the whole of Scotland, boosting employment and creating a business environment designed to help local companies can flourish.”