SNP survive Tory income tax attack
Rises on the cards after Mackay steps back from manifesto pledge
THE SNP yesterday cleared the way to announce tax rises in today’s landmark budget.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay signalled the change after refusing to confirm he’d stick to his manifesto commitment to freeze the basic rate of income tax.
He was put on the spot by Tories in a row about spending plans.
When the manifesto pledge was put to the vote last night, SNP MSPs refused to back it.
It shows a major change in attitude after serious warnings about the impact of austerity and squeeze on vital public services.
Mackay said: “All I hear from the Conservatives is they want raise less and spend more, whereas we will put forward a credible proposition that inspires the people of Scotland.”
Tory finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said SNP figures promised 53 times not to put up the basic rate.
He added: “The last thing the SNP were going to do was put up taxes for those on the basic rate and yet, if all the press speculation is to be believed, that is exactly what they are considering for the budget.”
Labour, Lib Dems and Greens all want to use new powers to put up taxes for the wealthiest to pay for public services.
The Tories insist Scotland should not drift from UK tax levels.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said: “I say to the SNP, you can’t denounce austerity today and do nothing about it tomorrow.”
Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said the Government must be “bold” to raise revenue.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said it was Tory austerity that was forcing tax rises.