Council tax rates higher in England

While average Band D council tax in Scotland is £1,197 (property valuation of between £45,001-£58,000), in England this is £1,671, so more than £470 higher.

It should be noted, however, that a Band D property in England is valued at between £68,001-£88,000, but property values are of course higher in England than in Scotland.

Even if we are to look at similar property value banding between Scotland and England, an average Band B council tax in England, on a valuation of between £40,001-£52,000, is £1,300 — about £100 more than a Band D equivalent in Scotland.

It should also be noted that the average council tax over the past year has risen by 5.1% in England compared to 3% in Scotland.

To add insult to injury, while the average water charge in Scotland is £363, in England and Wales it is £405.

So, when individuals complain about Scotland being the highest tax part of the UK, it is worth reflecting that one should not only look solely at income tax, but also at the basket of other taxes that are paid.

WITH council tax and water charge letters dropping through doors in Scotland and England, it is intriguing to note Torycontrolled England is indeed our high-taxed neighbour.

Alex Orr.