GLASGOW’S tourism sector is paying a higher burden in business rates according to a new report.

Business leaders said one reason for the difference is down to higher than average property rental prices in the city centre as business rates are linked to property value.

The statistics show the accommodation and food sector in the city pays almost 20% of its profits in business rates.

The Scottish figure is just under 15%.

The overall business economy, excluding finance, pays double the Scottish rate at 8% of its profits compared to 4% across the country.

Some parts of the country are paying out less than 2% of their operating surplus on business rates.

Firms in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire Falkirk and Moray are paying 1.9% as a share of surplus in business rates.

That is thought to be down to the strength of oil and gas sectors which over the years have been generating larger profits.

The figures were produced by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

As well as the hospitality sector offering food and accommodation the report showed manufacturing sector which in the city was among the lowest burden as a share of profit.

Glasgow’s manufacturing sector pays a lower share of its profits than the rest of the country at 2.8% compared to 3% for Scotland.

Glasgow is on a par with Edinburgh and Aberdeenshire for manufacturing.

Only Highland, South Ayrshire, Moray and West Dunbartonshire were lower.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said it shows the strength of the city centre that rental charges are high.

He said: “There are a lot more companies in Glasgow and rental levels for many is higher for example Buchanan Street well above the average.”

Mr Patrick added that property process in the UK as a whole were higher than other countries.

Some who call for reform say that firms are hit twice, first with higher property rental costs then with higher rates because the business rate poundage is linked to property values.

Calls have been made from some within the business community for a turnover linked business rate.

Glasgow falls in the upper section of the business rates analysis where firms are paying above average in rates as a percentage of operating surplus, which include profits.

While the Scottish overall figure is 4% Glasgow, Western Isles, Stirling and East Lothian are paying 8.1%.

Only Dundee, Fife, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian pay a greater share at 9.8%.