Brownlee: Tax powers lapse is disrespectful to devolution

It has today been revealed that the main tax raising power voted for by the Scottish people in the 1997 referendum is currently not available to MSPs.

Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, said:

"Scottish Conservatives are resolutely opposed to any increase in Scotland's income tax.

"However, the people of Scotland voted overwhelmingly in a referendum for the Scottish Parliament to have tax-varying powers. It is nothing short of astonishing that the last Labour Scottish Government and the SNP Government let these powers lapse without the public being told.

"It demonstrates complete incompetence. Everyone knows the last UK Labour Government couldn't be trusted on tax. Now we see the SNP, for all their desire for new tax powers, couldn't be bothered to update the tax powers they do have.

"This is disrespectful to devolution and it must be sorted out as soon as possible."

Back to all posts