Salmond: Council tax is 'oppressive'

Thursday, 04, Sep 2008 12:00

Alex Salmond, Scottish first minister, comments on plans to abolish council tax, during the legislative opening of the Scottish parliament:

"Presiding officer, in line with our commitment to a fairer Scotland, this year we will also introduce the council tax abolition bill.

"This government is committed to replacing the regressive, unfair council tax with a fair system of local taxation, based on the ability to pay.

"This change will help to lift thousands of Scots out of poverty. And, by delivering a net tax cut of £281 million, it will provide a vital financial boost to low and middle-income households across the country as the biggest tax cut in a generation. Eight out of ten Scottish families will be better off.

"Presiding officer, abolition of council tax will lift 85,000 individuals from poverty. And it will save the average Scottish family between £350 and £535 per year.

"I have no doubt Scotland will judge harshly any MSP who votes to keep the council tax in the face of the overwhelming benefit that would flow to millions of ordinary Scots."