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Wednesday, 03 September 2008 |
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Commenting on the Legislative Programme announced by the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament today, SNP MSP Bob Doris, a member of the Local Government and Communities Committee - the committee that will scrutinise the Bill during its passage through parliament - welcomed the introduction of a bill to abolish the unfair Council Tax.
Mr Doris said: "This will be a very popular move by a Scottish Government which will be welcomed by the people of Glasgow – particularly at a time of spiralling household bills.
"The SNP Government has already delivered a Council Tax freeze making sure that families at least have some rest bite as prices elsewhere continue to rise.
"Council Tax went up 60% under Labour and it must be scrapped sooner rather than later. Clearly the majority of Glaswegians support the introduction of a system based on ability to pay.
"The SNP will deliver a fair system based on ability to pay with a local income tax. Even Glasgow Labour's figures show that 72% of Glaswegians would be better off under the SNP’s proposed Local Income Tax. The SNP's proposals mean a £280 million tax cut for the people of Scotland and will clearly have major benefits for families concerned about financial hardship. Under the SNP's proposals the overwhelming majority will see their bills cut".
Notes
- A TNS system Three poll interviewed 1086 people across Scotland between the 23rd and 29th April 2008 and asked the following question:
- Would you support or oppose the introduction of a local income tax to replace the Council Tax?
Yes 46% No 22% DK 32%
- From Glasgow City Council – Response to the Scottish Government Consultation “A Fairer Local Tax for Scotland” 1.3. The results from our online calculator show that, for the people who used the calculator, 72% would be financially better off with the tax set at 3 pence in the pound, while 21% would be worse off and 7% would see no difference. 1.14 The Council recognises concerns over the current system of local taxation and will consider alternative options for local taxation in the coming months. A subsequent report will therefore be prepared summarising these alternatives and setting out the Council’s view on the future structure of local taxation.
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