Higher taxes on way, courtesy of SNP and Greens

MIDDLE-CLASS Scots face a new tax rise after the Greens threatened to torpedo the SNP Budget.

The party is demanding major concessions, including a commitment to abolish council tax, in the next 17 days – or it will boycott all future negotiations.

The Greens also want more powers for councils, including setting a tourist tax and retaining money from business rates.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has spoken to opposition groups in the hope of gaining support before publishing his Budget on December 12.

It is understood he favours a deal with the Scottish Greens – who have propped up the past two SNP Budgets – and is hopeful of securing their support.

The Tories and Lib Dems have demanded Nicola Sturgeon rule out Indyref 2 during this parliament, while Labour would want a massive spending commitment in return for support.

Scottish Green local government spokesman Andy Wightman is a long-time supporter of a land value tax in place of council tax. His own analysis, A Land Value Tax for Scotland, estimates the annual bill for a Band H house would rise from £2,298 to £6,153.

Mr Wightman said: ‘The motion approved by our autumn conference set out what local tax reform looks like, such as giving local councils discretion over setting a tourist tax, devolving control over nondomestic rates and a timescale for replacing council tax.

‘Ministers know they need to indicate willingness on this agenda before their Budget, otherwise we cannot enter into discussions.’

It remains to be seen if Green co-convener Patrick Harvie, who has been leading his party’s Budget talks with Mr Mackay, takes as strong a line.

A Scottish Tory spokesman said: ‘Another SNP-Green deal on the Budget will threaten hard-working families.’

He added: ‘Last year their cosy deal made Scotland the highest taxed part of UK and now they are set to make matters even worse.

‘The SNP is quite content to make hard-pressed taxpayers pay more and more to keep the Greens in line.’

The Scottish Government refused to be drawn on any Budget negotiations.

A spokesman said only: ‘The Finance Secretary will present the Budget on December 12 and is confident it will win parliament’s support.’

‘Deal will threaten hard-working families’