Minister to stop troops being ‘punished’ by Scottish tax rise

THE Defence Secretary is planning an unprecedented intervention to prevent Armed Forces personnel in Scotland being “punished” by SNP tax rises.

Gavin Williamson wants to counter the decision by the Scottish Government to create increased tax levels that will leave those serving in the military north of the border worse off than their counterparts in the rest of the UK.

He said about 8,000 men and women in the services were due to be hit by the “unfair” tax rises.

Mr Williamson added: “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.

“I am working to ensure that those who are affected do not feel they are being punished by serving in Scotland. We are urgently reviewing how we can counter this unjustified raid on the pay packets of our Armed Forces.”

The review may lead to an annual compensation payment or a monthly increase in wages and could be introduced in the near future, with the tax changes taking effect from next month.

The rises will mean a staff sergeant paying an extra £117 a year in Scotland. A major would pay £660 more, and a lieutenant colonel £863.

The tax row comes at a time when Scotland’s role in the defence of the UK is set to increase. About 1,400 subma- riners will move to HM Naval Base Clyde by 2020. Army numbers are also due to rise with the return of troops from Germany. An additional 400 personnel will also move to RAF Lossiemouth as it adds a fourth Typhoon squadron.