Sturgeon announces commission to consider council tax replacement

26 Nov 14
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the creation of a commission to examine possible replacements for the council tax as she set out her first programme for government in the post.

By Keith Aitken in Edinburgh | 26 November 2014

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced the creation of a commission to examine possible replacements for the council tax as she set out her first programme for government in the post.

The programme of 12 Bills plus other measures was, Sturgeon said, based on three foundations: participation, prosperity and fairness. It aims to build a sense of shared endeavour about how we create a wealthier and more equal society.’

Sturgeon told MSPs that the current council tax freeze would remain in force for the duration of the present parliament to 2016.

A commission on replacing the council tax would be set up in partnership with councils through their umbrella body, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. All political parties would also be invited to join, she added.

Other key measures announced by the First Minister included a commitment to real-terms increases in the revenue budget of the NHS in each remaining year of this parliament and, if the SNP are re-elected, in every year of the next Parliament, as well as bills on public health and to increase support for carers.

A new £10m Empowering Communities Fund will be created to help communities take charge of local decision-making, while a consultation will be held on devolving powers from Holyrood to island authorities.

Sturgeon appealed for cross-party support in the mission to grow the Scottish economy, protect public services, tackle inequality and empower communities.

For Labour, Jackie Baillie welcomed what she called the SNP’s conversion to social justice, and pledged support where the parties could agree on policy.  But, she said, the SNP had failed to use its existing powers to fight inequality.

‘Scottish Labour’s values are all about social justice, fairness and equality. We know by closing the gaps in education, in health and in the work place we can build a better nation,’ Baillie said.

‘That takes action, not warm words and that is the basis on which the Scottish Government will be judged. If they truly believe in social justice, they will cut inequality, not public services.’

Spacer

CIPFA logo

PF Jobsite logo

Did you enjoy this article?

AddToAny

Top