Better in Scotland
Even ignoring the financial bonus of social entitlements in Scotland such as better childcare provision, free personal care, free prescriptions, a better free bus travel scheme and free student tuition, claims that highly skilled earners will shift residency south are much exaggerated.
While ‘hard pressed middle earners’ on £50,000 a year face paying £1544 more income tax next year in Scotland, if you factor in higher council tax and water bills in England which haven’t produced better services, the difference is more than halved.
Using Morpeth in Northumberland as an example, council tax Band E households pay £761.87 more each year compared to living in the Scottish Borders Council area; Band F pays £817.32 more in England, Band G £847.24 more and Band H £901.68 more. In addition, water bills are roughly £50 a year higher in England compared to Scotland.
With less crime and less hatred towards foreigners, lower house prices, better education and health services, most rational adults relish living in Scotland.
MARY THOMAS Watson Crescent , Edinburgh
Theresa May who claimed categorically on numerous occasions that there would not be a snap general election. Indeed, there was to be no general election until 2020. That was, of course, prior to her calling one in April 2017.
The same Theresa May also categorically claimed there would be a vote earlier this week on the Withdrawal Agreement, prior to this being pulled.
Mrs May also noted that the Withdrawal Agreement was the only one on the table and the best that could be achieved. That was prior to her hawking herself around Europe’s capitals to try to amend it.
Given Mrs May’s track record on U-turns, Conservative MPS and others should take her comments on standing down prior to the next general election with more than a little scepticism.
ALEX ORR Marchmont Road, Edinburgh
limit for driving, some of us asked for any evidence that a significant number of accidents occurred when drivers had levels between the old and the new limits. No such evidence was forthcoming.
It is not in the least surprising, therefore, that researchers at Glasgow University have
Letters for publication, which we reserve the right to edit, must have a full address and phone number. Send to:
❚ The Editor, The Scotsman, Level 7, Orchard Brae House, 30 Queensferry Road, Edinburgh EH4 2HS; ❚ lettersts@scotsman.com