An island councillor has called on the Scottish Government to introduce an increase on income tax to tackle budget cuts facing local authorities.
Cllr Charlie Nicolson, who represents the Stornoway South ward, quotes from HMRC that a 1p in the pound increase would raise around £475 million across Scotland.
Someone earning £15,000 a year would pay less than £1 per week extra, whilst a £50,000 earner would pay under £8 per week, depending on individual circumstances.
Cllr Nicolson said: “The cuts in services in the Western Isles and across Scotland will affect the most vulnerable in our communities.
"By paying slightly more in income tax, we could protect services and jobs which
are vital to the economy of these islands. The less well-
"Most people I have spoken to would be in favour of such a move which would counter the austerity programme that has meant cuts for the Scottish Government and councils having to reduce services.
"As a councillor I do not wish to cut any more services and I know other members feel the same. I would encourage our community to go to the local public consultation meetings to discuss the proposals and indicate whether they would be supportive of raising Income Tax by 1p in the pound to safeguard services and to respectfully ask the cabinet secretary for finance, Mr Swinney, to introduce 1p in the pound on income tax.”
Call for income tax increase to combat council cuts
18 January 2016