TWO-THIRDS of Scots would willingly pay more tax for public services, according to a new poll.
The Survation poll, carried out for the 38 Degrees campaign website, said 66 per cent of voters in Scotland supported the idea of fair, progressive tax increases “so long as the richest people and companies in Scotland are required to contribute the most.”
The poll found that 77 per cent of people who voted SNP in the 2017 general election supported the idea of tax increases to fund public services, as did 79 per cent of Labour voters.
Even 50 per cent of Tory voters would back a hike.
When asked if they would “personally be willing to pay more tax to help Scotland tackle inequality and fund public services” 53 per cent said they would.
Only 25 per cent of people said they would rather not.
The poll came as Finance Secretary Derek Mackay followed up on the First Minister’s offer to discuss the future of taxation with other parties.
Mackay wrote to his opposite numbers in the parliament, asking “for confirmation of their proposals for income tax policy in Scotland” to be included in a discussion paper due to be published later this year, ahead of the 2018/19 draft budget.
Mackay said: “This is the start of a cross-party discussion around how we continue to fund high quality public services across Scotland.
“I want to ensure that proposals from all parties are represented.
“This is a chance for the Scottish Parliament to have a serious debate about taxation and public services and I hope that all parties will participate constructively in that discussion.”
Last week, in her speech announcing the SNP’s programme for government, the First Minister said that as a minority government she was mindful of the need to “build alliances across our Parliament in support of our Budget.”
She added that this would be done through “a discussion about how responsible and progressive use of our tax powers could help build the kind of country we want to be — one with the highest quality public services, well-rewarded public servants, good support for business, a strong social contract and effective policies to tackle poverty and inequality.”
In the letter McKay said the government would “use the position your party put forward at the 2016 election and which you presented during last year’s budget negotiations” in the paper to prompt discussion.
At that election the SNP pledged to freeze tax rates, and not implement UK Government changes to the threshold at which people start paying the 40 per cent tax rate.
The party also promised to raise the personal allowance to £12,750 by 2020/21 by setting a zero rate.
Scottish Labour and the LibDems pledged to increase income tax by 1p, with Labour also raising the additional rate for top earners to 50p.
The Tories pledged to match UK Government tax plans.
According to the IPPR, Scottish Labour’s plan could generate between £1.1 billion and £1.2bn by 2020/21.
SNP tax plans would raise £300 million.
Scottish LibDem tax pledges would result in added revenue of £750m and the Scottish Greens up to £950m.
Gordon Maloney, a campaigner with 38 Degrees in Scotland, said the poll showed public appetite for change: “All of Scotland can benefit from the right kind of tax increases — because they’d fund better treatment in Scottish hospitals, better education for our children, and a healthier, fairer society. This polling proves the public understands this, and is up for an open conversation on how the Scottish Government uses its tax-raising powers. “
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