Swinney rules out income tax rise

The SNP regime at Holyrood has ruled out calls for a rise in income tax after Labour backed the measure to save public services.

By The Newsroom

Published 6th Apr 2016, 10:59 BST

Updated 6th Apr 2016, 11:07 BST

Kezia Dugdale, the Labour leader, unveiled radical plans for a 1p increase in income tax to fight austerity and reverse cuts in education as MSPs prepare to vote on the 2016-17 budget this afternoon.

Labour also pledged a £100 rebate for low-paid workers to ensure they don’t lose out.

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But finance secretary John Swinney said: “I will not penalise those on low incomes, and I certainly won’t increase their tax bill.

“Instead this budget will see up to 51,400 lower-paid workers receive an increase in pay.”

The Lib Dems also back a 1p rise in income tax.

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