Commission on Local Tax Reform launched in Scotland call for contributions
The Commission has launched a request for contributions from the general public as well as Scottish, UK and European partners, to offer new ways to improve Scottish municipal finances.
The Commission on Local Tax Reform’s was created to identify and examine alternatives that would deliver a fairer system of local taxation to support the funding of services delivered by local government.
Cllr David O’Neill, President of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) who co-chairs the Commission, said: “A great deal of work lies ahead, but this Commission is a chance to take a step back and think about the best way to pay for the local services that communities rely on every day.
“Across Scotland people are looking for the debate to break new ground, and that’s why I am determined that this Commission will be listening to people and organisations from all parts of the country, and setting out what it would take to give our local communities a real say about what matters most to them, and the best way to pay for it.
Eleven representatives of political parties and the finance, law and advice sectors will examine alternatives to the council tax to fund local government services, plus outside contributions can be made by responding to a general online survey or by providing more detailed written submissions until Monday, June 22, 2015.
Through its decision making process the Commission will consider changes in the impacts on individuals, households and inequalities in income and wealth, the wider wider macro-economic, demographic and fiscal impacts, including housing market and land use, the administrative and data collection arrangements , the impacts on supporting local democracy, including on the financial accountability and autonomy of Local Government and timescales for transition
Marco Biagi, Scottish Government Local Government Minister and second co-chair of the Commission, said: “The Scottish Government believes the current council tax system is unfair and we are acting on our manifesto commitment, and the recommendations of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee, to look at alternative approaches to local taxation.
“The Commission on Local Tax Reform will consider progressive, workable and fair systems, taking into account domestic and international evidence on tax powers and wealth distribution, the autonomy and accountability of local government and the impact on individuals who pay the tax.
“The members bring a broad range of expertise and experience and I look forward to starting this important work.
Once the evidence is being gathered and analised the Commission is expected to report in the Autumn.
More information on the Commisions work can be found here.