Council tax hike attacked Rise affects top bands
Mackay on it he was unable to guarantee that councils would not see grants cut by more than the extra council tax.
“We can assume that some councils, including possibly North Lanarkshire, will lose out heavily as a result.
“The basic principle of tax is that it should be set by those who collect it - that’s not what is happening here.”
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson: “The SNP’s council tax plans will make the funding of local services fairer - in a way that’s reasonable, measured and balanced.
“At the same time the proposals will boost investment in our schools, provide additional support for children in low income households, and ensure councils continue to be properly funded while becoming more accountable.
“Greater contributions from those living in the highest value properties will generate an additional £100 million every year.
“We are committed to working with local authorities to ensure this extra funding is invested in our schools.
“The SNP are committed to a tax system that is proportionate to people’s ability to pay.
“That’s why our plans will ensure those living in lower-band properties A to D, which in North Lanarkshire means 82 per cent of households, will pay the same, or even less, than they do today in council tax.
“In the face of Tory austerity, the SNP will extend the council tax reduction scheme to low income households with children.
“This will directly benefit 77,000 low income households in Scotland by an average of £173 per year, including 140,000 children.
“Many low- income families living in high band properties will already be in receipt of council tax reduction, but we’ll extend this to put in place an exemption for higher-band households who are below average earnings - up to a maximum of £25,000 net income. This will exempt a considerable number of pensioner households.”