Most Scots oppose SNP plans to cut air taxes

● People say they would prefer more money to be spent on public transport

The SNP’S plans to cut air taxes in Scotland are not supported by the public, according to a poll showing that a majority of people would prefer ministers focused on improving public transport.

Only a fifth of those questioned said they thought the Scottish Government’s plans for a new Air Departure Tax (ADT) should be a priority, the Survation poll of more than 1,000 Scots found.

More than 60 per cent said they favoured more money being spent on public transport instead, according to the survey commissioned by the Scottish Greens.

When it was ranked against a number of other initiatives, only 8 per cent of those surveyed said cutting air taxes would have the greatest “positiveimpact”ontheirlives. Improving existing transport infrastructure – including filling in potholes – was supported by 45 per cent.

The new levy will replace Air Passenger Duty (APD), which is levied on all commercial flights from UK airports, starting at about £13 per person for short-haul trips to Europe.

Its replacement is due to be introduced in April. The Scottish Government is committed to cutting the duty by 50 per cent by the end of the current Parliament, with a view to abolishing it entirely.

Ministers believe that the UK’S high rates of APD discourages airlines from using the country’s airports, depriving the Scottish economy of a potentially major stream of income.

However, critics of the policy believe that cutting air taxes will undermine Scotland’s green reputation and do little to improve the lives of most passengers.

Previous research by the Greens estimated that the cut will benefit wealthy frequent fliers by £850 a year, while a couple taking their children on an annual holiday will only save £16.

The party’s co-convener Patrick Harvie said the Scottish Government’s plans would do “irrevocable damage” to the environment and would effectively hand a tax break to the well off.

“Under scrutiny in parliament, neither ministers nor the industry were able provide a shred of evidence to back up theirbeliefthatthistaxcutwill have positive benefits that will trickle down to the rest of society.” he said.

A Scottish Government

0 Only a fifth of those questioned said ADT should be a priority spokeswoman said: “A cut will help boost international connectivity and generate sustainable growth – priorities that are even more pressing as a result of the EU referendum. The Scottish Government’s consultation on the proposed reduction has just closed and we have separately commissioned independent economic and noise impact assessments.”