Councils raise taxes – it’s perfectly normal

Madam, – I have been struck by the recent furore that has been created over proposals for a workplace parking levy (WPL) and tourist tax.

It demonstrates how little some in Holyrood have grown up when it comes to empowering councils.

The Conservatives, true to form, have used these proposals as a means to beat the Scottish Government over the head.

It will damage the economy, hurt the low paid and prove unworkable – the normal refrains we have grown used to.

However, as many will be aware, many European cities such as Paris and Berlin already have a tourist tax, and councils in England have had the power since 2000 to set a WPL, although Nottingham is the only one to have done so to date.

These taxes are an optional charge for councils to set and when it comes to a WPL, NHS workers and hospitals will be exempt and it will only apply to employees with more than a certain number of spaces.

As in Nottingham, income generated by the scheme will be hypothecated for spending on transport schemes.

It is hard to imagine any councils pushing forward with WPL and tourist tax schemes, which will take a number of years to impose, in the face of strong public resistance.

The Tories talk of the need to “empower councils” but seem to have collective amnesia when it comes to turning such fine words into practice.

Local governments across Europe raise and collect numerous taxes, it is normal.

Twenty years after devolution it is time to let our councils get on with it.

Alex Orr.

2 Marchmont Road Edinburgh.