Rachael Hamilton MSP and the Scottish Conservatives are to vote against the Scottish Government’s budget, which will see income tax rises in Scotland.
Last year, the SNP Government broke a manifesto promise and raised taxes on over one million Scots. Anyone earning over £26,990 will pay more in tax than they would in the rest of the UK.
Fortunately, the UK Government raised the personal allowance threshold from £11,850 to £12,500 meaning more basic rate taxpayers keep more of their wage packet.
Ms Hamilton has voiced concerns over the impact that a tax gap will have on recruiting headteachers, senior nurses and police sergeants in order to fill vacancies.
The SNP’s Budget also heralds the introduction of additional new taxes, such as the workplace car-parking levy and the tourist tax. Despite this, Scottish Borders Council have been clear this will not be implemented.
There has been criticism over the Scottish Government's fiscal competency, given the Block Grant from Westminster is increasing in real terms in 2019-20 by some £521m, yet services bearing the brunt of cuts.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“With the SNP you always pay more in tax and get less in return. They've broken their promise and have raised income tax.
“Thanks to the Conservatives and the UK Government, the SNP’s budget is increasing by more than £500 million. This means spending cuts and tax rises are Nicola Sturgeon’s choice, not a necessity.
“Sturgeon has forced more tax rises on Scotland. The Scottish Conservatives will not support an SNP Budget that slashes public services and punishes hard workers.
“Tax increases will have a negative impact on the Borders, where we need to attract more people to live and work.
“I am concerned that the floodgates of taxation have been opened by the SNP who are cosying up with the Greens.
“We see new income tax rises, a new car parking tax and a tourist tax. I find myself asking, when will it end?”