WHILE we welcome the fact that the council tax reforms unveiled by Nicola Sturgeon yesterday are more progressive than the current model, we can’t help but wonder – as did many others – whether the Scottish Government might have been a little more daring.
Sure, it’s good that those people living in the houses in the lower bands will not have to pay anything extra, and also good that those in the higher bands will pay a little more.
But it seems strange to commit ourselves to a banding system that will be based on how much a property was worth in 1991. It’s been 25 years, and much has changed in Scotland since then – including the value of our properties. Some, after these changes come into effect, will still get away with paying less than they ought, and some will pay more than they should.
Nicola Sturgeon is widely expected to win a huge mandate from the Scottish people in May. The SNP, according to all opinion polls for more than a year, are on course to win another majority.
The SNP have a unique chance to be really radical and think about seriously reforming Scotland.
It’s not a time for half measures.
Lesley Riddoch: Local tax is crying out for a radical overhaul
Doubts cast on value of Holyrood's new tax proposals
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here