Sporting rates relief change welcome but falls short, says BASC

BASC has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to amend its approach to sporting rates relief, describing it as a step towards addressing concerns raised by the rural sector, but warning it falls short of reinstating full relief.

Under the revised plans, deer forests will now be eligible for sporting rates relief again where venison from lawful deer management enters the human food chain. Smaller sporting properties carrying out deer management will also qualify for relief through a graded system based on rateable value.

The change follows sustained representations from BASC and its grassroots campaign that saw more than 1,300 members and supporters sign an open letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Shona Robison MSP, urging her to rethink the original proposal.

However, BASC says the change does not go far enough, leaving many small shoots and rural sporting businesses facing increased costs and uncertainty – despite the vital conservation and wildlife management work they deliver – unless full rate relief is reinstated.

BASC Scotland director, Peter Clark, said: “We welcome the fact that the Scottish Government has listened to concerns raised by BASC and our members. The strength of feeling demonstrated through our campaign and open letter made clear that this policy was causing serious alarm across rural Scotland.

“However, this adjustment does not go far enough. Many small shoots and sporting businesses remain exposed to increased costs and continued uncertainty.

“Sporting enterprises underpin employment, deer management, habitat improvement and wider conservation delivery. Shooting contributes around £340 million annually to Scotland’s economy and supports around 5,600 full-time equivalent jobs, with the wider sector worth an estimated £780 million. Any policy affecting sporting rates must fully recognise that contribution and be developed in meaningful consultation with those who manage the land.

“BASC will continue to engage constructively with ministers and officials to secure long-term stability for rural sporting businesses and the environmental work they support.”

For more news and updates from BASC Scotland, visit our dedicated pages here.