Greenock Telegraph | Opinion | Ability to pay is fairer taxation

Thursday, 16th October, 2008

Published: Friday, 28th March, 2008 16:30

Ability to pay is fairer taxation

By Stuart McMillan

Comments (1)

Print Article

Image related to story, see caption or article text

THE Scottish Government recently published its proposals to replace the council tax with a local income tax based on the ability to pay.

The aim is to replace the council tax, which has risen by 60 per cent since 1997, with a more progressive system.

For too long the population has faced the burden of a high and unjust council tax, with Inverclyde having one of the highest rates in Scotland (current Band D property is £1,198.00).

The proposal aims to scrap the current council tax and introduce a system based on a 3p-in-the-pound rate.

The tax will be levied on income already subject to basic and higher rates in UK income tax, for instance wages or rental income, and tax-free personal allowances will match UK allowance levels.

I welcome the announcement by the Government and look forward to the day when the council tax is replaced by a fairer, more progressive system of taxation.

Basing the taxation system on the ability to pay will see those earning the least paying less, and only the richest 10 per cent of households will, on average, pay more.

I was, however, delighted Inverclyde Council, like all other councils apart from Stirling, introduced the council tax freeze for next year.

This freeze will certainly aid many people in Inverclyde.

If you would like a copy of the consultation document, visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/afairertax

See also:

» Helping in Clyde Pilots dispute

Published 6th Jun 2008 in Opinion » Comment | View Story
» Initiative benefits health

Published 23rd May 2008 in Opinion » Comment | View Story
» 'Blood inquiry' is needed

Published 9th May 2008 in Opinion » Comment | View Story

PaulD

Apr 27 08 12:30

Our Ref: 497

Use the ref number if you need to report this comment

I am all for parity and fairness, but I'm afraid this proposal is just unimaginative. (not freezing council tax which is great news) Inverclyde may very well suffer more than most with community charges, but once again its the people who arent wealthy but are working, who are systematically penalised without help at every turn, who are being asked to carry the burden. I work, have seen my fuel costs go up over 50% in 3 years, havent had a pay rise for over 5 years, have seen increases across the board in everything that I buy, and yet I am similar to me are the very people that this policy will punish by adding yet another burden to me nd my family. Another 3%? Why? Are this Govt trying to force people who work to carry the entire burden of the population? It certainly seems that way.

And of course, my views wont be heard rather than through this comments section which presumably will go unanswered?

Report this comment

Comments

Post a comment

Social Bookmarking What are these?