FOLLOWING Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s announcement of the biggest tax cuts in decades for people in England, Scottish Tories are calling on the Holyrood government to replicate the move and limit the difference in rates across the Border.
Kwarteng’s decision to massively increase borrowing to bring forward tax cuts which benefit the wealthiest while leaving 95% of the public worse off – according to the Resolution Foundation – has been heavily criticised across various parties and think tanks.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, only people earning more than £155,000 a year will see a net benefit from the policy change.
What’s more, the move sent markets tumbling – with the pound hitting a 37-year low against the dollar, ultimately meaning higher prices for people in Britain.
But despite fears for the economy and heightened inequality, Scottish Tory chief Douglas Ross is demanding Nicola Sturgeon mirror the cut here.
Research from the Charted Institute of Taxation calculated the differences between English and Scottish tax rates which will come in from next year.
Those earning up to £20,000 will need to pay around £52 more in Scotland a year. People who bring in around the median salary of £25,000 face handing over an additional £102.68 a year. For those on £35,000 the extra amount is around £300, and for £45,000 it’s £763.40.
Once salaries reach more than £50,000, people need to hand over nearly £1900 more than they would if they lived south of the Border.
READ MORE: Chris Philp brands fears over tax cuts for the rich 'the politics of envy'
The Tory calls for tax parity with England have sparked lively debate, with many Scots arguing that they’d be happy to pay more if it means stronger public services.
Others criticised Ross for his political focus on challenges in the public sector, particularly the NHS, while he calls for tax cuts at the same time.
Scottish actor Martin Compston got involved too, calling the tax cuts an “absolute disgrace”.
“Those who earn more should be paying more in periods like this. I don’t want to pay more tax same as everybody else but when people are literally struggling to keep their lights on more than happy to be paying 46% here in Scotland.”
We’re keen to hear your views. Please respond using the form below.
We’ll feature the best responses in a feature article.
Have your say
How do you feel about paying higher taxes in Scotland?
We want to hear your views on the difference between tax rates across the Border.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel