Liz Smith MSP has called on the Scottish Government to provide more financial help for local newspapers by extending business rates relief during 2021-22.
The Scottish Conservative politician, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, has outlined how she feels newspapers form not only “an extremely important part of our democracy” but also a vital part of the information service provided to the public.
SNP MSPs previously voted against a Scottish Conservative motion which would have seen business rates relief extended to the newspaper industry through 2021-22. Instead, the SNP currently plan to axe the relief at the end of next month.
In May last year, Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser forced the SNP to provide rates relief to newspapers similar to what was being given to the retail, leisure and hospitality industries during the height of the pandemic.
Liz Smith MSP says this is yet another example of the SNP failing to back local newspapers in Mid Scotland and Fife at a time when they need it most.
Commenting, she said: “Newspapers have been very important during the pandemic, especially in many cases to our elderly citizens who are much less likely to be using the Internet and social media for their news.
“During Covid-19, many people have found their local newspaper as well as television their only source of news; about what they can safely do and what is going on in their local community. However, local newspapers have been suffering for downsizing, drops in income levels from advertising, pressures of greater centralised administration and also finding staff who are willing to work in the industry in such uncertain times.
“Circulation is down 25% and advertising revenue is down by 75%, which is not surprising given that businesses who would normally advertise, such as hotels, restaurants and retailers, are not open just now.”
Liz Smith continued: “These are extremely difficult times in the world of local newspapers, with some famous titles having stopped publishing altogether in physical format, with only an online presence. Others are struggling in print, but all are facing a very uncertain future.
“Local newspapers are important to us. As MSPs, we rely on them to publish details of our surgeries, to take our press releases and to print photographs of us at all kinds of local events. We rely on them, and they now rely on us to give them the support that they need to continue.
“The Scottish Conservatives are calling on the Scottish Government to extend business rates relief to newspapers during 2021-22. The total cost of supporting business rates for the newspaper sector for the entire year is less than £4 million, so we are not talking about a huge amount of money, but we are talking about a mechanism of providing support that would make a significant difference to the viability of local newspapers.”
And Scottish MSP Murdo Fraser, who also represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, added: “Newspapers have provided a much-needed service during Covid and must be praised for doing so. It is only right that they receive as much financial support as needed.”
A Motion put forward by the Scottish Conservatives calling on the Scottish Government to extend business rates relief for newspapers was agreed at Holyrood earlier this week.
