76% of Scots believe the very rich should pay more in tax

THREE-quarters of Scots believe the highest earners should pay more in taxes to fund public services, according to a survey.

The poll, compiled by Ipsos Mori for Oxfam, also found that more than half believe the current system of taxation is unfair.

The charity said the results showed people in Scotland want a fundamental change in the way we look at tax.

Oxfam did not propose what system should be put in place, or what rates high earners should pay. However, it hopes its survey will trigger a debate about “how taxes should be used for the public good”.

Just over 1,000 people took part in the research between 8 and 15 October.

A total of 76 per cent said they agreed taxes should be raised from people with the highest income and wealth.

Meanwhile, 52 per cent said the current system was not fair.

In addition, 57 per cent of those quizzed said they were against lowering taxes for 
everyone, and 74 per cent said they believed Scottish public services should mainly be funded through the tax system.

Judith Robertson, head of Oxfam Scotland, said the survey “clearly shows Scots want a fairer tax system”.

She said: “At the moment, the poorest Scots are taxed more heavily than the richest. In 2010-11 the poorest fifth of people paid about 38.2 per cent of their income in tax – the richest fifth paid 33.6 per cent.

“That’s just wrong – especially at a time when the gap between the richest and poorest in Scotland is getting bigger.

“The survey also shows Scots understand the importance of taxation in paying for public services. They know that we can’t have a debate about public services in Scotland without a debate on taxation. It doesn’t make sense.

“Without a robust and progressive tax system, we can’t deliver the public services people need, nor can we tackle Scotland’s growing inequality.

“This poll suggests Scots overwhelmingly want a fairer tax system that raises more income from those who can afford it.

“Politicians and policy-makers need to come up with concrete tax proposals that will make Scotland a place where everyone can get a fair share in our collective prosperity.”

Decisions on tax are reserved, but Oxfam wants the Scottish Government to take a stand on issues within its control, such as “poverty-proofing” its policies and creating a post of Poverty Commissioner to act as a voice for disadvantaged communities.

A government spokeswoman said: “The Scottish Government is doing everything we can under our current powers to support hard-pressed families and individuals through tough economic times.

“However, the latest welfare reforms being pursued by the UK government are continuing to leave the most vulnerable people in our communities at greater risk of poverty.”