US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
No changes to Scottish income tax plan, First Minister John Swinney vows
Scottish government keeps income tax rates stable but may adjust thresholds to increase contributions from higher earners, aiming to maintain lower taxes for most, says Finance Secretary.
- Next year, the Scottish government will not increase income tax rates or introduce new bands, Shona Robison, Scottish Finance Secretary, announced ahead of the Holyrood vote timetable as the government's position.
- Citing the Scottish government's tax strategy, Robison said she wanted to provide certainty after the UK Budget, aiming for most Scottish taxpayers to pay less than elsewhere in the UK.
- Scotland's seven-band system, compared to the UK's four bands, means threshold decisions could still result in higher earners paying more, despite no rate changes, the SFC cautioned.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the UK Budget as fair and said it delivers extra funding to Scotland in the coming years, while energy firms criticised the 78% levy on North Sea profits.
- Robison had warned she might revisit Scottish tax plans if Westminster hikes rates, called the UK Budget process `chaotic`, and highlighted how devolved funding could cut the Scottish Budget.
Insights by Ground AI
5 Articles
5 Articles
No Changes To Scottish Income Tax Plan, First Minister John Swinney Vows
However, the SNP leader did not disclose if the pay thresholds will remain the same. In the 2025 Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced £26bn worth of tax rises – including extending the freeze on tax thresholds which could see earners dragged into higher bands if they get a pay rise. At First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay accused the UK chancellor of “screwing taxpayers”. He added: “She’s also borrow…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources5
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 25%
C 75%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
