Calls for higher earners in Scotland to pay more towards public services

Leaders at Scotland's largest trade union body also say council tax should be scrapped.

Author: Callum McQuadePublished 4th Dec 2023

Trade unionists are claiming some of the wealthiest people in Scotland could be paying more to inject some life back into public sector services.

A report by the Scottish Trades Union Congress is suggesting higher income and property taxes would generate an extra £1.1 billion from next April.

General Secretary Roz Foyer told MFR: “Our updated tax report makes clear that the Scottish Parliament has the power to make a real difference to our communities and raise over £3.7 billion of additional revenue for our public services.

“The Scottish Government must step up for Scotland.

"It’s clear that, with one foot out the electoral door, the Tories are hellbent on saddling any future UK Government with devastating public sector cuts.

“At a time when workers are suffering the biggest drop in living standards since records began, and our public services need investment more than ever, it would be a chronic dereliction of duty for government ministers to sit back and let workers suffer Tory-inflicted austerity.

“They must rise to the challenge. For the sake of our workers, communities and public services, there is simply no other option."

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