Purvis calls for fairer local taxation (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Purvis calls for fairer local taxation

November 26, 2008 11:56 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Commenting on the responses to the Local Income Tax consultation published today, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis MSP said:

"The proposals published for consultation by the SNP were flawed. They promoted a national Income Tax increase. This would have let the mega-rich off scot-free, but gave no protection to students.

"Many of the respondents to this consultation agreed with the Liberal Democrats that students and pensioners should be protected. Many also agreed that unearned income, such as significant interest on dividends, should also be subject to new local taxation.

"Since the publication of the consultation, Liberal Democrats held talks with the Finance Secretary. Recent indications are that the Government is now moving towards our approach, which covers these aspects and means that any Bill brought forward will be stronger.

"A local income tax that is genuinely local would be fairer. It would, contrary to what the Labour Party claims, put more money back into people's pockets. This would have a direct and positive impact on our economy."