Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Debate: Opposing the Scottish Government's Proposed Council Tax Rises

Craig Hoy S6M-20654 That the Parliament notes with concern the ongoing consultation on council tax reform; further notes that central government funding has been reduced in real terms in this and previous Scottish Government budgets; acknowledges the cumulative pressure on households from rising council tax, the introduction of additional local charges, fees and levies, and the increasing likelihood of further council tax rises; recognises the damaging impact that funding reductions are having on frontline and statutory local authority services; expresses a lack of confidence that the current consultation will deliver fair or considered reform, given the Scottish Government’s record of underfunding local government, and calls on the Scottish Government to withdraw the consultation and rule out proceeding with the proposed council tax reforms, including the plan to conduct a revaluation of every home in Scotland for council tax purposes, at a time when households are already struggling with rising bills. Further details available for S6M-20654 Shona Robison S6M-20654.2 As an amendment to motion S6M-20654 in the name of Craig Hoy (Opposing the Scottish Government's Proposed Council Tax Rises), leave out from “with concern” to end and insert “that each local authority sets its own council tax rates; recognises the importance of building political consensus through the current consultation to deliver fair reform to local government taxation, and welcomes that a ‘Mansion Tax' will be brought forward in 2028 that will add two additional council tax bands, to be applied to properties valued at over £1 million.” Further details available for S6M-20654.2 Michael Marra S6M-20654.1 As an amendment to motion S6M-20654 in the name of Craig Hoy (Opposing the Scottish Government's Proposed Council Tax Rises), leave out from first “notes” to end and insert "is concerned for the future of local services, in light of nearly two decades of underfunding of local government by the Scottish National Party administration; regrets the failure of the Scottish Government to build a consensus for much-needed reform of local government taxation, and calls on the next Scottish administration to take leadership and create a sustainable, long-term funding solution for local government." Further details available for S6M-20654.1