The Scottish government has capped a rise in business rates at a below-inflation level of 2.1%.

Finance secretary Derek Mackay announced in the Scottish Budget on Wednesday that the decision on business rates would mean more than 90% of Scottish properties would be charged a lower tax rate than the rest of the UK.

Welcoming the announcement, Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) head of public affairs, Dr John Lee, said: “Business rates are one of the main costs that retailers face and we welcome the Scottish government’s commitment to capping the rate rise.

“Retailers face significant pressure from a range of costs in a hyper-competitive market and any measure which assists in keep costs down is beneficial.”

The SGF also welcomed the announcement that the Scottish government would maintain the Small Business Bonus Scheme.