Programme for Government: Humza Yousaf says introducing wealth tax still 'option' for Scottish Government

Humza Yousaf was in Edinburgh to reflect on his Programme for Government

Humza Yousaf says he won’t shift away from a progressive tax system, claiming introducing a wealth tax is still an option as he set out how he intends to fund his Programme for Government.

The First Minister unveiled his first Programme for Government earlier this week, focusing on measures to tackle poverty. This includes expanding the provision of free childcare and offering universal free school meals to all primary school children.

Opposition parties have, however, criticised it for lacking detail and for not being different enough from his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon.

First Minister Humza Yousaf. Image: Getty Images.

Mr Yousaf has was quizzed on Wednesday on what changes Scots might expect to see to their taxes.

He was visiting The Thistle Foundation in Edinburgh’s Craigmiller with health secretary Michael Matheson when he said the SNP would continue to back a progressive tax system, where those who earn more money have to pay more in tax.

Mr Yousaf said: “We continue to have progressive tax, so those who earn the most, like politicians, should pay the most. That is central to my belief when it comes to raising taxes or not during Budget considerations.

“We need to consider what the UK Government does in relation to tax, as that could influence what we do, but we won’t shift away from a progressive tax system.”

He then went on to criticise Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for not supporting a progressive tax system like that supported by the SNP.

The First Minister was also asked about the prospect of introducing a wealth tax in Scotland, which would be a tax based on someone’s net wealth as opposed to just their income.

He said: “I’ve said I would give it consideration when it comes to the really tough, tight financial constraints we are under. We shouldn’t rule wealth taxes off the table, but we haven’t made a decision on them.

“Equally it should be said we shouldn’t rule the matter out because we are facing extraordinary pressures. Anti-poverty organisations and social care organisations understandably want us to go further, but we need the finances and resources to do that.”

During his visit to Craigmillar, Mr Yousaf said he believed he had struck the “right tone” with businesses in his Programme for Government, but admitted he understood why various lobby groups wanted him to go “further and quicker”.

He said: “I would expect a number of lobby organisations to push us further on tackling poverty and want us to go further and faster. But we are working within the constraints of devolution, largely budgetary constraints.

“I don’t need to remind you of the pressures from the disastrous mini-budget [under Liz Truss] and the continued impact on the economy because of Brexit.”