Thousands of small companies in Fife have benefited from the new 'Small Business Bonus' system of rates relief, according to the SNP.

Finance Secretary John Swinney will today tour the Glenrothes constituency with local councillor and party candidate Peter Grant, arguing that the SNP offers local people and local businesses the best option for the economic downturn.

The Scottish Government's rates relief system has, the party claims, cuts the business rates of more than 900 companies in the Glenrothes constituency. For 2008/09 relief of up to 80 per cent is available for firms with a rateable value below £8,000. From next year complete relief will be available for the smallest businesses.

"The SNP is delivering what Fife demands. Small businesses faced a huge burden under the Labour administration – now thanks to the action of the SNP in Government small businesses are seeing that burden lifted," said Grant.

"As budgets get tighter and businesses struggle to keep out of the credit crunch the SNP is on your side. The complete removal of business rates for our smallest businesses and further reductions in rates for others will make a real difference.

"In contrast the UK Government is continuing to increase the tax on small business owners. With rising fuel costs and increased UK taxation the SNP's Small Business Bonus is a welcome relief for those who are struggling."

Swinney restated the party's message that the Westminster Government is to blame for the economic ripples being felt by ordinary Scots, a claim Labour rejects as ignoring international economic pressures beyond Britain's control.