For immediate release:

POLL SHOWS STRONG 2 TO 1 SUPPORT FOR SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TAX PLANS

Scots back the Scottish Government’s tax plans by 2 to 1, according to a YouGov poll for the Times – leaving Tory demands to hand high earners and big business a tax cut worth £500 million looking out of touch.

The tax plans will protect low and middle income taxpayers in Rutherglen by setting a new Starter Rate of income tax of 19% for earnings between £11,850 and £13,850. As a result of this change as well as the increase in the personal allowance, all taxpayers earning up to £33,000 across Scotland will be protected from any tax increase.

Overall 70% of taxpayers in Scotland will pay less next year and 55% of Scottish taxpayers will pay less than they would in England. At the same time, Scottish tax plans will increase the Higher and Top Rate of tax to 41% and 46%.

MSP for Rutherglen Clare Haughey said:

“This poll shows strong 2 to 1 support for the Scottish Government’s progressive tax reforms that will allow the Scottish Government to invest in our schools in Rutherglen.

“The government is on the side of Scotland’s taxpayers, ensuring that 70% pay less tax next year – making us the fairest taxed part of the UK.

“This poll is a real endorsement of the Scottish Government’s approach to protecting public services, investing in the economy and supporting households and I hope other parties will now back our tax plans.

“The UK Government are completely out of touch with the Scottish public, and their proposals would leave a £500 million hole in the Scottish budget – leaving public services in Rutherglen and across the country short-changed.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

A YouGov poll for the Scottish Times has found majority support for the Scottish Government’s tax proposals. Details as follows:

Do you support the tax changes announced in the budget (everybody earning more than £26,000 to pay more than their counterparts in the UK, everybody earning less than that, to pay less than their UK counterparts).
Support: 54 per cent
Oppose: 27 per cent
Don’t know: 19 per cent.

Do you think the tax changes are fair or unfair?
Fair: 49 per cent
Unfair: 30 per cent
Don’t know: 21 per cent.

SNP Income tax proposals for 2018-19 are:
· A new Starter Rate of 19% will be introduced for those earning between £11,850 and £13,850
· A Basic Rate of income tax at 20% for those earning over £13,850
· A new Intermediate Rate of 21% for those earning over £24,000 – however as a result of the new Starter Rate taxpayers earning less than £33,000 will pay no more in tax for given incomes
· A Higher Rate of 41% on incomes over £44,273 to £150,000
· A Top Rate of 46% on incomes over £150,000

Date published: 19th January 2018