Hike tax on Scots earning more than £31,000.. say Scots

Survey finds plan to raise funds for services has public backing

SCOTS support income tax rises on higher earners to invest in public services, according to a Record poll.

The Survation survey is welcome news for Nicola Sturgeon, who is widely thought to be planning a hike in next week’s budget.

Holyrood took control over income tax rates last year – thanks to The Vow – but the Scottish Government have so far only made very minor changes.

The First Minister last month published a discussion paper on possible changes to rates and bands that would mean anyone earning more than £31,000 paying more income tax next year.

And the poll of more than 1000 Scots found 41 per cent think raising income tax for those on more than that amount is fair.

Only 32 per cent disagree, with the rest saying either they don’t know or think it is neither fair or unfair.

The results come amid backroom discussions between the SNP and opposition parties to thrash out the details of next Thursday’s budget.

SNP MSP Ivan McKee last night said: “We need to consider how tax powers are used to protect public services and to build the kind of country we want to be.”

But Tories are campaigning against any rises and have the backing of big business groups.

Their finance spokesman Murdo Fraser dismissed the poll.

He said: “Increasing income tax will punish hard workers and place Scotland at a competitive disadvantage with other parts of the UK.

“That will be bad for business and could even lead to lower tax receipts for public services in future.” The approaches outlined in the Scottish Government discussion paper include having up to six tax bands.

There are no plans at Westminster to raise tax for people earning more than £31,000 in the rest of the UK.

Labour back income tax rises but are not expected to support any SNP plans, leaving the Greens and the Lib Dems as their best chance of finding support.

Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased that this poll shows there’s broad support for a fairer tax plan, like ours.”