Education should be the priority

In recent years, Jim Allen, 93, former captain of the Seaforth Highlanders and retired Church of Scotland social worker, has suffered cancer and a heart attack.

And Jim, honorary president of the Blackhall Bowling Club in Edinburgh, would gladly pay more taxes if they were to support the stellar work of doctors and nurses who saved his life.

He said: “The health service is the greatest benefit that has come during my 93 years of life. I’ve come through surgery, heart attacks and cancer – the health service has been there.”

He added: “When it comes to taxes, education should be a priority.”

Club steward Les Dickson, 70, from Barnton, along the Queensferry Road, reckons taxes would be put to good use supporting libraries and improving bus services as the city is becoming less car-friendly.

But Rod Armes, 75, fears it doesn’t matter how much tax he pays – you can never guarantee public services will improve as a result. 1 Rod Armes, 75 “Politicians are good at spending other people’s money. I’d pay more if it could be proven you’d get better services, but I don’t trust councillors or politicians to spend the money.” 2. Les Dickson, 70 “My wife is an avid reader and lots of libraries are closing down. If it would improve the library services and better my life, I would say yes to paying a little more. But it’s no use politicians saying words; they have to do what they say. If I have to pay more taxes I want to see a difference.” 3. Ian Parker, 82 “If the money is spent properly I don’t mind paying more. In my 82 years I’ve learned higher taxes do not guarantee better public services.” 4. Jim Allen, 93 “I’d pay more if it resulted in better public services – the NHS that has done so much for me – and education. You’ve got to have faith in the politicians. Paying higher taxes has the potential to deliver better services.”