Salmond announces 'tartan poll tax' plans

05/09/2008

Scotland's first minister, Alex Salmond, has announced plans to scrap council tax.

If the newly-announced bill is passed by parliament, Scots would have the charge replaced with a three per cent local income tax.

However, the SNP leader has been slammed for the proposals by opposition politicians - and it is also opposed by HM Revenue & Customs, the UK's tax body.

People living in flat and house-shares would be particularly affected, as the extra three per cent on income tax takes no account of their living arrangements.

For its part, the SNP claims that the reform would bring 85,000 Scots out of poverty, and save households as much as £535 a year.

Branding the change a "tartan poll tax", Scottish Labour's deputy leader Cathy Jamieson commented: "The SNP's tax plans will simultaneously make Scotland the highest taxed part of the UK and damage local services."

Tags; Current UK Economy, Young Family Finances, Recent Graduate Debt,

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