CommonSpace columnist and Common Weal director Robin McAlpine takes a look at Scotland's tax options

THE current tax debate in Scotland has got me a bit down. I know I have a habit of moaning about the quality of some political debate in Scotland and you may not be wrong simply to write me off as a habitual Cassandra. But what is being written and said about tax isn't changing my mind.

The Autumn Budget has been revealed with key announcements on Universal Credit, VAT and investment in technology

THE UK GOVERNMENT’S tax and spending plans for the year were announced in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s budget speech on Wednesday, which will have far-reaching consequences – one way or another – for people across the UK.

SNP 2016 election manifesto stated it would not give public procurement contracts to firms involved in tax dodging

COMMON WEAL and one of Britain’s leading tax experts have called on the Scottish Government to investigate the appropriateness of giving contracts to accountancy firms supporting tax avoidance activities in Scotland, in light of new Paradise Papers revelations on Tuesday 7 November.

Campaign group petitions Scottish Parliament to raise taxes on wealthiest

THE SCOTTISH UNEMPLOYED WORKERS’ NETWORK (SUWN) has launched a petition with the Scottish Parliament, calling on the Scottish Government to raise more money for welfare through progressive taxation. 

A new Common Weal tax paper proposes radical future for Scotland

THINK tank Common Weal has launched a new report as part of its White Paper Project for an independent Scotland, entitled ‘A Scottish Tax System: Imagining the Future’.

Youth wing of the governing party calls for councils to be given powers to raise more of their own money

THE SNP YOUTH have backed a motion at their Spring Conference in Edinburgh calling for a fairer replacement to the current council tax system.

It was passed over the weekend when young members of the party gathered to decide the direction of the youth of the party and hammer out key policy positions which differ from the party proper.

Corporate business lobby top supporter of planned tax cuts for aviation industry 

VESTED INTEREST GROUPS in favour of a £150m tax cut for the airlines industry dominated the latest consultation on the current Air Passenger Duty (APD) proposals.

Scottish budget passed by 68 votes to 57 

THE SNP-GREEN budget has been passed by the Scottish Parliament following a long-running conflict over taxation rates. 

Voted through by 68 votes to 57, the deal confirms the financial plan for the year ahead and sets the Scottish rate of income tax following the extension of taxation powers. 

The financial deal was likely to pass after the Scottish Greens pledged to back the budget after a deal on income tax thresholds with the SNP minority government.