SNP government quietly disbands tax advisory group

The Scottish government’s tax advisory group has been quietly disbanded less than three years after it was launched.

Members of the group - which offered strategic advice on tax policy and strategy - had previously clashed with ministers over concerns they were being sidelined.

The Scottish Conservatives said the decision to axe it was a “deeply worrying sign for hard-pressed Scots, who are already being clobbered by sky-high SNP taxes”.

First Minister John Swinney and Shona Robison, pictured in February | PA

The group was launched in July 2023 by Shona Robison, who was then finance secretary and deputy first minister, and brought together a range of experts, business figures, charity bosses and trade union leaders.

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But documents released under freedom of information previously showed friction over the group’s purpose.

In an email following the 2023 Scottish Budget, in which major tax changes were announced, tax lawyer and campaigner Dan Neidle expressed frustration that the group had not been consulted.

“It’s a bit disappointing that so significant an announcement wasn't discussed by the TAG [tax advisory group],” he wrote.

“I’d never expect us to have a veto on policy, but I did think we would be able to discuss and present views before tax policy was adopted. Perhaps this goes back to our remit, and what the purpose of the group is?”

Minutes from the last meeting of the group on February 18, which have only now been published, show it has been disbanded.

“The Cabinet Secretary [Ms Robison] noted that this would be the final TAG meeting, and thanked members for their engagement with, and contribution to, this process during this parliamentary session,” the minutes read.

“She outlined an overview of TAG activities and outputs since its inception in 2023, including contributions to the Scottish government’s tax strategy, published in December 2024.”

Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: “This is a deeply worrying sign for hard-pressed Scots, who are already being clobbered by sky-high SNP taxes.

“John Swinney was clearly ignoring the warnings from business leaders and economists that continually hiking taxes kills growth, but now his government have stopped listening to them altogether.

“Instead of reining in Scotland’s out-of-control benefits bill, Swinney and his new finance secretary Jenny Gilruth are clearly intent on raising tax even further on people and business to fund their endless profligacy.

“It’s unsustainable and spells disaster for Scotland’s economy.”

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Scottish Labour public finance spokesperson Joe Fagan said: “We know from documents released previously that SNP ministers sidelined the tax advisory group while pushing ahead with tax rises.

“Now, it appears they have ditched the group altogether. It does not appear that ministers ever had any real interest in listening to the advice of the experts on the group – which is rather indicative of their approach to government.

“John Swinney and his newly-appointed Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth should explain why they have ditched this group and explain why they seem to think they know better than the experts.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "The tax advisory group, which was chaired by the then finance secretary, met from July 2023 and concluded with the previous parliamentary session, as was noted in the published minutes."