Gray backs plans for Council Tax rise

Labour's plan for a smash and grab raid on the public pockets to pay for their cuts to public spending has been revealed after Labour leader Iain Gray backed moves by the Labour leader of Glasgow City Council to put council tax up and get the money for a council tax freeze.

With two thirds of the cuts in public spending coming from the Labour Government the SNP branded Labour's plans to make the public pay for their economic mismanagement a disgrace.

Glasgow MSP and Deputy Convener of the Scottish Parliament Local Government Committee Bob Doris pointed out that Labour have always begrudged the council tax freeze and that it was clear only the SNP remain committed to fair local taxation to support Scotland's families.

Mr Doris said: "Not content with inflicting two-thirds of the coming Westminster cuts on Scotland's budget, the Labour Party now want the public to pay for Labour's incompetence.

"Labour's plan is a smash and grab raid on the public's pockets.

"Even worse is that Labour plan to hold services for our most vulnerable citizens to ransom - instantly suggesting cuts to disabled play schemes, increasing charges for the elderly, and cutting more teachers.

"It is increasingly clear that Labour's priorities are not those of the people of Scotland.

"For the last three years the SNP made available the money to freeze council tax to help hard pressed families, and Labour councils were always happy to take the cash.

"Labour had the opportunity to support the SNP in introducing a fair local taxation system that would have put an end to the unfair council tax, and they failed. After pushing council tax bills up by around 60% in their 10 years in power, and a track record of economic mismanagement, it seems Labour cannot break old habits.

"What this underlines is the need for the Scottish Government and Parliament to secure economic and financial powers from Westminster, so that we can grow the economy and boost revenues to invest in quality public services across Scotland."