03 October 2003
First Minister Jack McConnell has confirmed Scottish Executive plans to go ahead with a review of local government finance. But he poured cold water on a plan by Tommy Sheridan, Scottish Socialist Party leader, to persuade the Scottish Parliament to abolish the council tax.
Sheridan has introduced his Council Tax Abolition (Scotland) Bill, arguing that the present tax should be replaced with one based on personal income.
McConnell said he did not accept local government finance was 'property-based'. Sheridan wants to introduce a 'service tax' based on ability to pay. Two Liberal Democrat MSPs and a number of Independents have signed the Bill.
PFoct2003
