Poll shows two thirds back giving councils new tax powers

A poll for the Scottish Greens has found that nearly two thirds of voters back councils being given more powers to raise their own cash.

With many local authorities across the country under financial pressure, 63% agreed council chiefs should get new tax powers to generate funds, whether this be from land, property or tourism.

Just 11% of the 1,000 people questioned by Panelbase said authorities' powers should remain unchanged, leaving councils to choose between having to cut other services, sell assets or increase charges if they need to raise additional cash.

And when the quarter (26%) of those who did not know were removed, Scots were split 85% to 15% in favour of councils getting more tax raising powers.

Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said the results showed people “rightly value local services and local choices”.

He again warned SNP ministers the six Green MSPs at Holyrood will only support the Scottish Government in key budget votes if reforms of local taxation are included.

Mr Harvie said: “Local services, council employees and all of us as citizens are suffering as the Scottish Government hoards power. Our town and city authorities are unable to act like normal European towns and cities where local taxes are commonplace.

“This poll shows just how out of step Scottish Ministers are with the public who rightly value local services and local choices.”

Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop has already publicly rebuked the SNP leader of Edinburgh City Council over its plans to introduce a tourist tax in the capital - something which it believes could generate more than £11 million a year.

But before such a levy could be introduced, Scottish ministers have to be persuaded to hand over the necessary power.

Mr Harvie said pressure from the Greens in the 2018-19 budget negotiations had resulted in the minority SNP administration making the system fairer'' with regards to income tax.

The Green MSP added: “We now need the same kind of progress on how we pay for local services too.

“Greens will continue to champion this agenda, pushing the SNP at Holyrood to give ground and devolve control so local councils aren't forced to fight an annual funding battle. Even the SNP Government's own colleagues running some of our largest councils are starting to lose patience.

“Green MSPs have warned that after two years of reversing proposed cuts to local councils we cannot enter talks about the next budget unless there is movement on local tax. The public are with us on this. The ball is in the Scottish Government's court."