Local MP criticises SNP proposals on Local Income Tax

17 March 2008

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has attacked the SNP Government’s consultation on local income tax as lacking any real substance and raises more questions than answers
Mr Banks said –
“This is an attempt to deceive the people of Scotland.”
This document deliberately withholds vital data in an effort to pull the wool over people eyes. Leading accountants have been charged with examining the proposals and even they cannot make head nor tail of the document.
The most basic numbers were missing form the document such as how much 3p in income tax will raise and how much council tax cash has to be replaced. It is no accident that these numbers haven’t been published and I know the people of Scotland realise that too.”
“I feel this is another example of the SNP promising the earth to the people of Scotland, but when it comes down to the crunch they are unable to deliver what they promised.
“Families can’t afford a Local Income tax and it is regarded with disdain in the business world.”
“Scotland fought against the Poll Tax introduced by the Tories. This is a modern day version of the Poll Tax.”
Mr Banks concluded,
“The Scottish Executive Finance Minister admits he hasn’t even spoken to the Treasury about his proposals but suggests that the Treasury could control such a tax is stunning. Every wage earner in every household in Scotland would find themselves paying the SNP’s Poll Tax whilst rich people living off their investment earnings would pay nothing, how is that a fair Tax?”
ENDS