Review of higher taxes for Scots armed forces
DEFENCE Secretary Gavin Williamson has launched a review to counter measures that could see armed forces personnel in Scotland pay higher taxes than those elsewhere in the UK.
Around 8000 members of the armed forces are set to be affected by the change after the Scottish Government brought in new income tax bands and increased tax levels.
Mr Williamson said: “The SNP’s tax hike unfairly hits 70 per cent of our brave and loyal service personnel based in Scotland, leaving thousands of them out of pocket. This is wrong.
“We are urgently reviewing how we can counter this unjustified raid on the pay packets of our armed forces.”
Last month’s budget changes will see higher earners pay more and lower earners pay less.
In the armed forces it is thought a staff sergeant would pay an extra £117 a year in Scotland.
An army major would pay an extra £660 while a lieutenant colonel would pay £863 extra. A full colonel would have to pay an extra £1013.
Scotland Secretary David Mundell said: “Our servicemen and women make a huge contribution to the communities and the economy of Scotland.”