Labour set to vote against 'Tesco Tax'

LABOUR MSPs are likely to vote against the Scottish Government's "Tesco Tax" today, if it remains in its current form.

The SNP administration plans to raise 30 million through levying extra rates on the largest retailers.

However, a Labour spokesman said last night it was ready to move against the government. "If this proposal is brought forward in its current form, I think it is likely we will vote against," he said

It is understood Holyrood's cross-party finance committee will resist any attempts to introduce the changes via a statutory instrument, which would allow the government to bring in the extra rates without using primary legislation.

The plans have been widely resisted by opposition parties and retailers, who claim it is unfair for them to be held responsible for sorting out the government's budget shortfall and that the move could hit jobs.

The SNP says the levy would affect only 0.1 per cent of business properties.