Poll shows majority of Scots support plans to raise income tax

More than half of the people in Scotland support plans to raise income tax, according to a poll.

The YouGov survey for The Times found 54% back Scottish Government proposals for an increase, while 30% said they thought they would be “unfair”.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has announced changes to the tax rates which would introduce two new bands and alter existing ones.

If passed, those earning above £26,000 would pay more than their counterparts in the rest of the UK from April, while Scots below that rate would pay less.

People in Scotland earning more than £33,000 would pay more than they do now and those on more than £150,000 would also pay extra.

Mr Mackay told The Times: “As this poll and others have shown, a majority of Scots support the SNP’s progressive tax reforms that will allow us to invest in our schools and hospitals.”

The Times said when voters were asked about the “basic” plans – increasing taxes compared with the rest of the UK for those on £26,000 – 54% said they supported the move, 27% opposed and 19% did not know. A total of 49% of respondents said they were fair, 30% said they were unfair and 21% did not know.

Labour MSP James Kelly told The Times: “Poll after poll has shown Scots are willing to pay more tax to fund public services. Instead, Derek Mackay has tinkered around the edges and delivered a plan which will just mean more cuts.”

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said: “Making Scotland the highest-taxed part of the UK won’t just hit people in the pocket, it will damage the economy.”