Ellie Ames 11 February 2025

Scottish Government to consult on council tax reform

Scottish Government to consult on council tax reform image
Image: Yau Ming Low / Shutterstock.com

The Scottish Government has announced plans to review the devolved nation’s council tax system to make it ‘fairer’.

It said that as part of a joint programme with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), ‘expert’ independent analysis would be commissioned to model possible scenarios and reforms.

The analysis will inform public engagement later this year, including ‘town hall’ meetings held in the autumn, before Scottish Parliament debates the findings.

But it is unlikely that any new legislation would be introduced before Scottish elections next May.

Finance secretary Shona Robison said: ‘By working closely with local authorities and listening to the public, we will be seeking a consensus on a local taxation system that is fairer, financially sustainable and fits a modern Scotland.’

The SNP has consistently pledged to overhaul Scotland’s local levy system, and the Government consulted on making council tax fairer less than two years ago.

Shadow cabinet secretary for finance and local government Craig Hoy said: ‘The SNP promised to abolish council tax back in 2007.

‘It tells you everything about this government’s incompetence that they’ve delivered nothing after 18 years in power.

‘Now, after almost two decades, the Nats’ big idea is yet another talking shop to kick the can down the road.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Contracts and Projects Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £48,873 based on Skills Kn
Job Title Contracts & Projects... Richmond & Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Contracts and Projects Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £40,737 based on Skills Kn
Job Title Contracts & Projects... Richmond & Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Neighbourhood Services and Communities

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Director of Neighbourhood Services and Communities - Maldon District CouncilMaldon District CouncilPermanent, Full TimeUp to £88,700 per annumLocation England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£14.28 per hour plus 12.07% holiday relief pay al
Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding TriagePermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner